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Shark Tank comes to Year 7 Humanities

Our Year 7 Humanities classes have this week pitched to our very own SCOTS sharks (AKA Ms Woodgate and Mr Thompson), in a bid to secure investment to launch their virtual businesses.

Our students put their heads together in small groups to come up with an original concept for a new business.  The project required them to evaluate the market, investigate and understand the costs involved to manufacture and sell their product in a real world setting.

Sales pitches were delivered to our in house sharks and the wider class which required the students to convince their audience why their business concept was worthy of investment.  They had to think quickly on their feet to respond to in depth questioning and be creative in their delivery.

From all accounts, the project has been a lot of fun and an opportunity for our boys and girls to approach the unit in an engaging, hands-on way. Humanities teacher, Mrs Stephenson, was very impressed with some of the creative and original ideas presented this week – both Year 7 classes were enthusiastic and really embraced the opportunity to explore ideas and work together.

Perhaps the Year 7 class may even end up pitching to the real sharks on Channel 10... who knows!?

Congratulations Year 7 - keep up the brilliant work!

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Time for the Nothing Box

Mr Kyle Thompson - Principal

As I reflect back on the year that is coming to a close, I cannot help but think how lucky I am to be part of such a wonderful school with so many great characteristics. One of these special characteristics is the fact that we are a co-educational, independent school, where we are able to work with our boys and girls to obtain common outcomes whilst still considering the differences that our boys and girls need to succeed. This has further made me reflect on some of the wonderful differences I observe when working with our boys and girls.

Our boys, when observed, appear to have two speeds. Flat out and stop. No pacing ourselves, no spreading things out. My observations are it tends to be all or nothing. Our girls on the other hand seem to be more evenly busy. Pacing themselves and are more constant but often more a measured sense of busy. This also reminds me of a You Tube clip called A Tale of Two Brains by Mark Gungor. This clip outlines the differences in how males and females think and function. I strongly recommend this clip to you as it is very funny and insightful and, I believe, accurate. I have used it over time to better understand myself, my wife and my daughters. When I showed it to my wife, I’m sure she had an epiphany regarding the ways in which I function and work. In identifying the following traits, I am not saying any are better or worse than the others, just that we can be different and in fact as a school, a family, and a society we need to recognise, value and understand (as best we can) these differences.

One of the most telling things for me is the way the male brain organises itself – in boxes. Boys and men have a box for every component in their lives. A box for each subject, a box for their sport, for music, for friends, for family, for mum, for dad. In fact, boys have a box in their brain for everything. This explains why they can be quite literal. If you ask them a question about their maths homework, they will often not draw the link to you trying to discuss how school is going in general, or whether they have any other homework. Their response will only be related to the specific box mentioned in the question. This is very different to how many girls function (and reinforced by the three in my family) where their minds are organised as a bunch of wires where everything is connected. Their school work is connected to their friends, which is connected to their parents, to home to their social life. In short, everything is related to everything. I wonder if this rings any bells for our parents? For the differences in siblings but also in ourselves? It is helpful for us as leaders and as parents when we attempt to communicate, understand and teach our children. For me it also highlights the special nature of a co-educational, independent school that we learn about each other, our functional differences and how to relate and understand not just academic content, but each other. The differences are good, but can be great when we understand and leverage the benefits of our differences.

One box that I know I have and that most men and boys cherish is termed by Mark Gungor ‘the nothing box’. This can be the best box boys have and is often our go to box, our box of choice. It is why we don’t hear what we’ve been asked, it’s why we flick channels without watching a show, it’s why we fish and do other activities which amount to doing nothing. Mums, wives and girls often don’t understand the joy we find in doing nothing. Girls on the other hand hear everything we say, even when doing something else, they are constantly connected to what is happening and the people around them. And, in my house, thank heavens for that as the flat out and stop is more than complemented by the constant and the connections. The truth is we need the differences. We just need to understand them so we can maximise the benefits of working together.

I know as the Christmas break approaches, I will be drawing regularly on my nothing box, it will be just what I need. I also know my wife will put something in my nothing box, to decorate it or create something. I know her connectedness will remain and between the two of us our differences will give us what we need to rest, relax, recharge, whilst also doing something when we need to. The balance of nothing with something is just what our boys and girls need as we speed into a break after the constant and the flat out.

I would take this opportunity to thank all our families for their support and engagement with our school this year. I thank also our students whose collective character makes us who we are as a school and our amazing staff for the commitment to the education of the next generation of young adults. I wish everyone a safe, happy and enjoyable Christmas period.

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Year 10 Outward Bound

Lucy Jackson (on behalf of the Year 10 class)

The Year 10 Outward bound trip, as those who have participated before would understand, was a challenge. There were times where we wanted to give up, go home, return to the likes of civilisation; with flushing toilets and food other than wraps and bird seed. Although we abhorred having to go without these preferred conveniences and may have wanted to stop after every mountain, every step, every bruise and blister, these feelings were all subdued by the feeling of success, accomplishment, and the ability to say I conquered these challenges, I survived outward bound.

After the course we were often asked to reflect. Reflect on our achievements, memories and learnings. A rock, stick and leaf analogy was used amongst the groups, symbolising what would stick with us from this journey, what rocked throughout this experience and what we would like to leaf behind. The consensus was that we wished to maintain and stick with the resilient attitude that got us through camp, the group’s body odours would like to be left behind and although an intense trip it was discovered that the best adventures are never as planned as they turn out to be. Losing our way in the scrub and having to sleep on top of a sloping mountain may seem like a dire situation, however, with the help of some spirit lifting tunes, provided by the talented vocalists Beau, Shona and Ewan this turned out to be an item to add and cross off the bucket list rather than a diabolical situation.

This trip provided a place for us to appreciate the smaller things in life, reflect on personal values and set future goals. Despite any preconceived ideas of this program it proved to be not one to miss. As a collective group, we loved our Outward Bound experience!

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Key Dates for 2020

In preparation for the new school year in 2020, please note the following key dates:

Tuesday 28 January

  • Travel Day

Wednesday 29 January

  • Term 1 commences
  • Prefect Induction Ceremony

Further information will follow during the holidays.  Please continue to check your direct messages in SEQTA during this time.

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Santa Letters from Year 1

Earlier this term, our Year 1 students wrote their annual letters to Santa, however this year there was a twist…

Instead of advising Santa what treats they’d like this Christmas, they also had to ask him some questions which are particularly brilliant in all their innocence.  Our parents may also pick up on some tips about what their children would like for Christmas this year – that’s if Santa hasn’t got it covered already!

Enjoy!

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Christmas Message

From the Chaplain | Rev. Willie Liebenberg

As we draw closer to Christmas for 2019, we are still facing devastating drought and bushfires. It feels as if we are suffering from a constant attack of vertigo, a feeling of dizziness where the ground under our feet seems to be rolling and moving. Thus, I cannot look at the traditional manger scene against the backdrop of our current situation here in Warwick and the wider regional community without feeling deeply challenged.

Consider this scene: a birthing place amidst animals, outside of the inn; parents worn out by a long journey; a land under occupation; shepherds who were ritually unclean and excluded from worship. I cannot look at this picture with all of its symbols of vulnerability and not be confronted by the harsh truth that is the message of Christmas – the message of coming to a new life in God and of fresh beginnings.  The message of Christmas is not about having more, but about being more. I believe this Christmas, with all its challenges, will be one of having less and being more – less receiving and more giving.

Bob Snyder writes: “The first Christmas is a miraculous story of the eternal God’s son, becoming of no reputation and then humbling himself to accept a cruel death on a cross. Sure there were angel choirs. Kings came from far away to worship Him. But the true Christmas story is about smallness, humility and servanthood.” Christmas must redirect our thoughts and challenge us to think differently, to dream bigger and to imagine more comprehensively.

Our people on the land are tired and exhausted and we need one another to collectively help realise our Bethlehem – our place of hopes and dreams.  Christmas gives us a window through which we can see each other and through which we can see our neighbours and our God.

The birth of the Jesus Christ brings new life and the hope of new beginnings to our personal lives and relationships. No matter how bad things are, we all have a choice. We can make things worse, or we can choose to make things better. Paraphrasing what someone once said, “you cannot outwit fate by standing on the sidelines and placing little side bets on the outcome of life. You have to play the game – if you do not play, there is no way you can win.”

Christmas remains the story of recognising God in unexpected places. We often miss the place where God is creating something new because, like the Wise Men, we instinctively go looking for God in the places of power, in the Courts of Herod when all the while God is stirring to life in a stable. God reminds us that it is humble people who shape history. God loves the insignificant, illegitimate, defenceless, the tabooed people – God’s grace is in them. That is where God's love is being born. That is where the Christmas story continues – in our lives because we are those people.

Joy to the world the Lord has come.

 

 

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SONY Camp

As the 2019 school year draws to a close, around 30 Year 11 volunteers will be joined by a number of returning Year 12 'Super-Companions' to provide ten youngsters with special needs a fun-filled weekend. Arriving after school on Friday of our final week,  these Warwick based young campers will spend the next three nights in Cunningham House and fill the days with a range of activities that are fun and exciting.  These activities include:

  • A visit to the Granite Belt Maze
  • A session with Law Dogs
  • Lunch at McDonalds and making their own desserts
  • Gym-olympics
  • WIRAC water fun
  • Dancing the night away at their own disco
  • Horse riding
  • Arts and crafts and hanging out with their companions.

On Monday morning there will be pipe band fun, morning tea with their parents and a visit from a jolly fellow in a red suit. The impact of such an experience cannot be underestimated for both the companions and campers.

Want to be involved?

Settlers

Parent helpers are always welcome and play an important role each evening as 'settlers'.  Settlers come into the boarding house in the evenings for an hour or so and assist with settling campers into bed and allowing the companions time to have a shower and attend the day's debrief. If you would like to be a settler, please contact Beverly Hobbs (4666 9841 or [email protected]).

Baking

Another way to help is by way of donations of home-baking for supper for the always-hungry teenagers. Any donations of home baking can be left with Beverly or at Reception and would be gladly welcomed.

Pool Supervision

With two sessions at WIRAC; one on Friday evening and then again on Saturday afternoon, it is always helpful to have as many eyes as possible watching from the poolside. If you have an hour or so to spare, then please let Beverly know.

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From the Uniform Shop

Stationery Orders

A friendly reminder from the Uniform Shop that all 2020 stationery orders need to be submitted by next Friday 29 November to ensure they are ready for collection from 13 January 2020.  Orders can be dropped into the College or emailed directly to the Uniform Shop (see contact details below).

Uniform Fittings

Please note that appointments are required for uniform fittings.  The Uniform Shop will be open daily from 13 January 2020, so please call or email the shop in advance to make an appointment.

Pullover Embroidery

Families wishing for their child's navy woollen pullovers to be embroidered with the College crest can do so during the summer holidays.  Please leave pullovers at the College reception and ensure they are clearly named.  There is a small fee to embroider the pullovers, which can be charged to your College account.  Small pullovers - $6.60 (up to size 14) and large pullovers - $8.80 (size 14 and over).

Contact details

Phone: 07 4666 9892 | email: [email protected]

 

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Carols in the Chapel

You're invited!

The College and the Warwick Uniting Church invite you to a special program of readings and carols to celebrate Christmas.
Details are as follows:

Where:           SCOTS PGC Chapel, 60 Oxenham Street Warwick

When:             Thursday 19 December

Time:               7:30pm

A special supper will follow in the Chapel Hall.  If you have any questions, please phone 0417 720 152

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Mainly Music

Since 2009 the Warwick Uniting Church has run the 'Mainly Music' program, attracting upwards of 20 families per session on a Thursday morning. They're extending an invitation to all families with young children to join them at their weekly sessions for an hour and half of musical play.  Morning tea is provided for a small cost of $4 per family.  This is a wonderful way to meet other families and make new friends.

Details are as follows:

When - Thursdays 9:15 am to 10:45 am (during the school term - the last session for 2019 is 5 December)

Where - Warwick Uniting Church, Guy Street

Cost - $4 per family which covers morning tea

Come along and bring your friends.  Follow them on Facebook for regular updates   https://www.facebook.com/groups/528378040926664/

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Goodbye to our Graduates

Last week we said to farewell to our graduating Class of 2019.  In what can only be described as a ‘Festival of Leaving’ our Year 12 class commenced their final week with a special breakfast hosted by members of our local Uniting Church.  Soon after they set off on a two-day adventure to enjoy the company of their cohort in the relaxed setting of Coolangatta.  Stand-up paddleboarding, dinner, shopping and movies were the order of their two days which allowed our Year 12s to unwind before returning to the College for the more formal events.

The Valedictory evening started with a reflective themed Chapel service led by Rev Willie Liebenberg.  The spring sunset did not disappoint as our graduates and their families mingled by the river before partaking in a Valedictory feast prepared by College chef, John Rogers.

On their last day as SCOTS PGC students, the College hosted the Final Assembly – an opportunity to look back and come to terms with the fact that their 13 years of schooling had finally reached its pinnacle. Our students sang the College song with gusto and relished the chance to proudly scream their war cry before making their way out through the throng of younger students who were keen to grab one last high five from their Year 12 mates.

 

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Final Week Arrangements

As we approach the final school week for 2019 it is important for our families to be aware that next week is no different from any other.   Examinations and assessments will be taking place throughout the whole week for a range of classes.

Our final day, Friday 29 November, will be a regular school day which finishes at the normal time of 3:05 pm.  Students are to wear their summer uniform and expect classes to occur as per their timetable.

Best of luck to all students next week who are sitting exams or submitting their final assessments for the year.  The holidays are in close sight now, keep working hard to the end!

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Budding artists showcase talent

A number of our SCOTS PGC students jumped at the opportunity to enter the Burst 3 Youth Exhibition hosted by the Warwick Art Gallery this term.  Our local Gallery invited artists aged 6 to 25 years who live on the Southern Downs to participate in the biennial competition with the opportunity to win a cash prize.

The exhibition, aptly called BURST, to represent the ideas and talents of our youth bursting forth onto the gallery walls, features artwork from 52 local artists.  The College is pleased to share that two of our students have received recognition for their self-expression and creativity:

Iggy King (Year 8), entered two photographs and won a commendation award for his photograph 'Changing Perspectives the Gold Behind the Gold'.

Treshawne Achari (Year 2), entered two artworks and received an encouragement award for his oil pastel artwork 'Unity in Diversity'.

There is still plenty of time to go and check out the exhibition for yourselves at the Warwick Art Gallery.  The Burst 3 Youth exhibition closes on 21 December.  Congratulations to all the entrants for pursuing their art – it is a fantastic achievement to be able to exhibit in a gallery!

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The Art and Science of what we do!

Mr Peter Wilson | Director of Co-curricular Activities

The pedagogical (teaching) practice by the staff at SCOTS is underpinned by the research by Dr Robert J Marzano. He is an American educator who has researched teaching practice for over fifty years. He has authored over forty books and his practical translations of pedagogical research into classroom strategies are known globally.

In particular, his latest book The New Art and Science of Teaching (2017) provides 330 specific teaching strategies across ten design elements. These design elements include:

  • Providing and Communicating Clear Learning goals
  • Using Assessments
  • Conducting Direct Instruction Lessons
  • Conducting Practicing and Deepening Lessons
  • Conducting Knowledge Application Lessons
  • Using Strategies that Appear in All Types of Lessons
  • Using Engagement Strategies
  • Implementing Rules and Procedures
  • Building Relationships
  • Communicating High Expectations

These elements and associated strategies are NOT prescriptive, or in fact linear in any classroom application, but provide a resource for teachers to use in any particular lesson scenario throughout the academic year. How and when a teacher uses any pedagogical strategy is unique to any given lesson. The time of day, month or year, what happened at home or at school, status of relationships, how much sleep, how many assessments are due, co-curricular commitments, what happened in a previous lesson or even the air temperature can affect the ability for a student to learn. The 'Art' of teaching is how to recognise these factors and how they affect a student’s learning moment to moment across a whole class.

Even Marzano concedes this in his introduction to The New Art and Science of Teaching (2017) by stating, "Specifically, research and theory will never validate the notion that teaching is simply a set of pre-programmed moves manifested as strategies. Rather, instructional strategies are best likened to techniques an artist might develop and refine over years of practice. The artist then uses these techniques to create works that are not only unique and complex but elegantly focused. The more skill the artist exhibits with the available techniques, the better his or her creations. Likewise, the more skill the classroom teacher has with the instructional strategies that research and theory have uncovered over the decades, the better the teacher will be able to create lessons that optimise learning.

We, as teachers, are like artists. We continually strive to be better at our craft and especially recognise our students, ”…as works that are not only unique and complex, but elegantly focussed” ( Marzano 2017)

Even taking into account the ten Design Elements and 330 specific teaching strategies, for me, teacher passion and enthusiasm for their subject and their students are fundamental to any pedagogical practice. Our outgoing College Captain, Samuel Proudlove, in his final address at this year’s Valedictory dinner alluded to these teacher traits as the ones that he most admired. His view was that teachers who use humour and anecdotes and who are passionate about their subject can make a “boring” subject fun and interesting.

As I approach my fortieth year of teaching, but only in my second year at SCOTS PGC, I can say from my experience that the staff here genuinely care about their students. Each staff member may have their own unique way of displaying this and to some, it may not be readily evident. However, in my short time, I have watched the student-teacher interactions intently and discretely and the staff commitment to teaching and learning here is clear.

Parent support for staff is also integral to what we do for your children. The book, 'The Price of Privilege' by Madeline Levine (2008) outlines this research. This topic is for another newsletter!

It has been a pleasure to work with the staff, students and parents of SCOTS PGC this year. Please have a safe and restful break and I wish all our community a Merry Christmas!

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T4W7 Sport Fixtures

T4W7 Co-curricular Program

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

As the end of the year draws closer, now is a great time to reflect on some of the wonderful achievements that have been accomplished by our boys and girls outside of the classroom during 2019.  For Mr Wilson and myself, this was made much easier this week as we hosted the College’s Co-Curricular Awards Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.

It was humbling to see a ‘full house’ in the Des Davey Dining Hall and a wide range of students proud to receive recognition for a wide array of activities.  Congratulations to all students on a spectacular year in your chosen field(s).

From Week 7, most activities will draw to a close, however please keep continue to check SEQTA and the Co-curricular schedule for further information.

 

Pipes and Drums

Congratulations to two of our drummers who celebrated success at various events over the past month.

Dhanyil Jackson placed first in the C Grade Snare Drumming at the NSW Pipe Band Championships held in Gosford two weeks ago, while Shona McFarland placed second in C Grade Tenor at the same event.

Dhanyil also competed at the Australian Drumming Solos Championship in Canberra where he placed second in B Grade Snare.

 

Campdrafters vie for the Percentile Cup

The College was represented by eight campdrafters at the annual Percentile Cup last weekend in Pittsworth.  For school campdrafters, this event is one of the largest in state, which this year, attracted 290 students from 37 schools across Queensland and New South Wales.

We are proud to report that two of our riders made the final round in a total field of 30 campdrafters.  Congratulations to all the SCOTS PGC riders and thank you to our dedicated parent support group who ensure the students and horses get to and from these events in a safe manner.

 

Darling Downs Triathlon Championships

I am very pleased to advise that Ewan McFarland and Shona McFarland were successful in gaining selection to the Darling Downs Triathlon team after their performances at the trials held in Oakey on the weekend.

After several weeks of training, including the last holidays, Ewan and Shona put all the hard work together to gain 6th and 9th place respectively in the Open Age group. This was an excellent result given this is their first attempt at the full Triathlon distances of 750m Swim, 20km Bike and 5km Run.

Both students will now prepare for the State Championships to be held in Hervey Bay from March 7-9 in 2020. We congratulate both Shona and Ewan on this achievement and wish them well for this event in 2020.

 

Expressions of Interest for Futsal and Basketball 2020

Students wishing to participate in Futsal and or Basketball in Term 1 2020 are asked to SEQTA message Mr Bradbury by the end of Week 7 so that teams may be structured and information can be distributed as required hastily at the beginning of Term 1. Both competitions are likely to commence in Week 2 of Term 1 so it is imperative that we have our teams in place before this.

In addition to this, the SWQ Futsal Titles will be in Week 5 Term 1, so again, we need to know who we have and whether or not we will submit teams for this event which has been successful for many of our individual players in 2019.

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SCOTS Kids skip for healthy heart awareness

In Term 3 students in Prep to Year 6 were invited to participate in the ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ fundraising activity which involved skipping every day and raising funds and creating awareness about being active and preventing heart disease.

Heart Disease is still ranked as Australia’s number one cause of death – this occurs on average every 20 minutes in Australia. It is therefore really important that students understand from an early age that being active and eating healthy food are important to ensuring a healthy heart.

The students were greatly encouraged by their class teachers and in particular Mrs Brown who was very keen for her students to skip and learn some new tricks.

Towards the end of Term 3 we had a “Jump off day” which involved Prep to Year 5 skipping and completing various circuits with our Year 6 students stepping in as leaders, helping and guiding our younger students as they moved around the activities.

We were very lucky and also the only school in this area, to receive a special visit from the JRFH display team.  Better known as the ‘Arrows’, the display team are made up of students aged Year 3 to Year 6 from Sherwood State School in Brisbane, who performed a range of skipping tricks.  All our students and staff were completely ‘taken aback’ by the skill and tricks they carried out and very appreciative of their visit.

The school raised almost $2,500 over a six-week period and a number of students excelled in raising money for the organisation. These were:

Prep

 

Eliza Geragthy $37.74
  Charlie Ure $242.77
 
Year 1 Alayna Jones

 

$163.61
  Stephanie McCosker

 

$63.43
 
Year 2 Jane Bazley $500.98
  Ella Hutchison $301.29
  Charlie McCosker

 

$86.46
  Treshawne Achari

 

$53.80
 
Year 3 Abigail Geragthy

 

$119.78
  Brock Tozer

 

$44.83
 
Year 4 Hamish Bayley

 

$131.14
  Hannah Bourke

 

$43.64
  Innes Nowlan

 

$109.22
  Tia Stewart $77.38
  Thomas Worboys $451.18
Year 5 James Bourke $43.64

Congratulations to all the above students but also to everyone who skipped and promoted the initiative.

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Year 8s put SWOT into action!

You may have noticed the increase in flies since the warmer weather has arrived, however it was not these flies that the Year 8s were swatting last week.

Learning how to do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis has been a key component of the Year 8 Business unit in Humanities this term and last Tuesday, 5 November, they were able to apply their newly learned skills to a “real” business.

Killarney Cooperative graciously agreed to have 50 of our Year 8 students descend on their business and keenly “pick” it to pieces by trying to work out what they were good at, where their weaknesses lay, as well as the potential opportunities and threats facing the business.  The General Manager, Marissa Costello and Chairman of the Board, Mr Andrew Petersen, were great hosts and eagerly shared their knowledge of the business’s operations.

The excursion also required students to do an audit of the businesses in Killarney to determine who the Co-Op’s competitors are.  Students were amazed that they were able to fill out two pages of businesses for such a small town!

Over the coming weeks, students, acting as business consultants, will analyse the data they’ve collected to determine what opportunities the Co-Op could take advantage of to improve their business even further.

Our thanks go out to the staff at Killarney Co-Operative for hosting us, as it is greatly beneficial for our students, to see business in action first hand.

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Our Values in Action

Amy Woodgate | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

Spirit  +  Tenacity  +  Authenticity  +  Excellence  +  Respect

Although it is easy to get caught up in the hectic schedule at this time of the school year, it is also a wonderful time for us to see our College values in action and celebrate our successes.  Values are much more than just posters on the wall or slogans in an advertisement, they are what we want our boys and girls to practise every day.  Through a supportive environment and the modelling of these qualities, our students are able to learn and grow beyond the classroom walls.

Our recent Junior School Musical is one such event where our College values were in action.  Each and every one of our youngest performers on stage were tenacious in how they faced the challenge of standing in front of such a large audience, how they ‘never gave up’ through the rehearsals and how they committed to putting in the individual and collective effort to make the Musical what it was.

The Junior School Musical was also an event that saw the spirit of our College shine.  The smiles on the faces of the Junior School students, staff and audience at the end of the night were a very real indication of the sense of pride felt by all at what had been achieved.  The connection across our College through the involvement of older students working as lighting, sound and back stage crew, as well as ushers, affirmed the importance of events such as the Musical as a way of building relationships and uniting to achieve our purpose.

This week’s Co-Curricular Assembly put a spotlight on excellence in our College across a wide range of activities.  Having our youngest students receive recognition for their commitment and participation in activities across the year, through to our outstanding achievers in various sports and activities, the Assembly showcased the diverse talents in our student body as well as the opportunities available to our boys and girls.  It also highlighted the importance of the programs that occur ‘outside of the classroom’ as a key component of what brings our College values to life.  Our College is unique and there is most definitely an authenticity to what is on offer for our students.  They can explore their interests in cooking club or cattle club, whilst also being a part of a netball team or rugby team, and then stepping foot on stage as a lead in the musical.  Most importantly, the students are comfortable stepping into each of these roles, are true to themselves and are willing to come together to represent themselves and their College with pride.

A highlight of my week is being able to read the awards achieved by our Prep to Year 4 students at our Junior School Assembly.  What is so gratifying about this, is being able read the reasons why each student has been given an award.  More often than not, it is given for students showing respect to others, demonstrating kindness, displaying persistence when tackling a new task or simply as a way of celebrating their progress in the classroom.  Each award is personalised by the teacher for that particular student and the smiles on their faces when they come to accept their award make Friday mornings a lovely part of my week.

As we move into these final few weeks of the year, I know I will be taking a moment to reflect on the achievements of our boys and girls, and most importantly their growth as individuals through the personal qualities and character strengths they are developing.  Although it may seem like one event after another during Term 4, it is also a time to celebrate our boys and girls and what they have achieved individually and collectively as a College in 2019.

 

 

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Key Dates

There are a number of key events that are occurring over the coming weeks.  Here is an overview of what’s on in Week 7 (commencing 18 November 2019)

Monday 18 November

  • Experience Days

Tuesday 19 November

  • Experience Days

Friday 22 November

  • Junior School Assembly

Please refer to the College calendar for all other year level and co-curricular activities.

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School Dental Notice

Don’t get forgotten!

We have finished all of the current check-ups and are now finishing up the remaining work. If your child/ren have not had their check-up and you would like them to have one, please contact us on 0407 631 439 to make an appointment.

“Don’t wait until it aches” - it is easier to prevent tooth aches than to treat them.

We look forward to seeing you soon

The School Dental Team

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Stationery Order Reminder

A friendly reminder that 2020 stationery orders are due by 29 November to enable the Uniform Shop to have them ready for collection in the new year.  Late orders will be accepted, however will be dependent on what stock is available.

Please visit the College website to download your form - http://scotspgc.com.au/enrolments/uniforms/

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Christmas Recount by Nathanael Amos

On Wednesday night, our Junior School brought us a delightful performance of ‘Creepy, Crawley Christmas’.  It was a great opportunity for each of our students to shine on stage and come together as a group as they look forward to the completion of the school year.

We’d like to make a special acknowledgement of part of the script which was actually written by one of our Year 4 students, Nathanael Amos.  Earlier this term, our Year 4 class were asked to write their own recount of the story of Christmas.  Nathanael’s story was well written and as a result, incorporated into the Creepy, Crawley Christmas script.

Mac Sanderson and Isabelle Hunter did a wonderful job of reading Nathanael’s story as part of their performance.  In case you missed it on Wednesday evening, here it is:

THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS by Nathanael Amos

Long ago, there lived a young lady called Mary. One day, God sent an angel to Mary, telling her she was going to give birth to a baby boy, Jesus.  Jesus was going to be the Messiah.

Mary and her husband, Joseph began to prepare for the birth of the baby.  When it was almost time for the baby to be born, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem.

When they arrived, Mary was worried.  All the inns were full.  Finally, they found a stable that would just have to do.  That night, all the animals in the stable were standing close.

And here, Jesus…was…born!

Shepherds in the fields nearby were tending to their flocks of sheep.   Suddenly an angel appeared, telling them the Son of God had been born in a stable nearby.  The shepherds raced into the town of Bethlehem as they desperately wanted to see the newborn baby.

They found the stable and baby Jesus lying in a manger.  At that time, Three Wise Men were looking at the sky. One said, “Look! There’s a new star in the sky tonight!” So they followed it.  The star finally led them to baby Jesus.  The Three Wise Men brought Jesus gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh.

And THAT is the story of Jesus’ birth… and the very… FIRST… Christmas!

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T4W6 Sport Fixtures T4W6 Co-curricular Program

T4W6 Co-curricular Program T4W6 Sport Fixtures

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

We are another week through the term and our students continue to strive for excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.  We will have the opportunity to reward our students for their co-curricular efforts throughout 2019 at our Co-curricular Awards Assembly next week, which is set to take place on Wednesday 13 November at 1:30pm in the Des Davey Dining Hall.   Families of prize winners will be notified via SEQTA direct message shortly, so please ensure you check your messages.

Pipe Band Concert

Our pipers and drummers along with the College Rock Band are warming up their instruments and are set to take the stage for a community concert this Saturday, at the Warwick Town Hall.  Tickets are available online (at the link below) and at the door, so please support these young musicians!

Link to purchase tickets - https://www.trybooking.com/book/sessions?eid=537960

 

 

Darling Downs Aquathlon and Triathlon - Run, Swim, Run or Swim, Ride, Run!

The art of the transition is key for these events and recently Bailey Harm represented the College at the Darling Downs 10-12 years Aquathlon Championship and Trials in Dalby. Bailey finished seventh overall and was chosen in the Darling Downs Team to contest the State Championships in 2020.

This coming Sunday our older students contest the 13-19 year Darling Downs Triathlon Championships in Oakey. Shona and Ewan McFarland are taking the twins concept to a new level as they both contest the Open Girls and Boys Triathlon course which consists of 750m Swim, 20km Bike and 5km Run. With temperatures set to climb they will want to be off the course as early as possible. Good Luck to them both and hopefully they will join Bailey at the 2020 State Championships at Hervey Bay.

Cricket

Cricket continues for our players across all grades this weekend. After a greatly improved performance last weekend the SCOTS Under 16 team will be keen to build upon this success with the confidence it brings.

Touch

The finals of Wednesday night fixtures commence next week. Our teams have been going well but will need to really go hard in these final weeks to claim the accolades.  Best of luck to our students in their quest to make the grade!

SCOTS Junior Touch

Week 4 matches sees us over the half way mark in the competition with no clear path as to who will figure in the finals of the Under 12/14 competition. Come on down Friday afternoon to see the 144 students from across the district converge on Briggs and Dunning for another afternoon of fast paced action.

 

 

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Thank you from Warwick Netball

We were humbled to receive a special gift from Warwick Netball this week, in appreciation for the club’s use of the SCOTS PGC netball courts throughout the 2019 season.  Warwick Netball’s Barnes Park facility is undergoing a considerable facelift at the moment following a substantial government grant to renovate and resurface their courts.  The renovation meant that their 2019 season would not be played at their usual site, which is where SCOTS PGC could help.

It has been great to host Warwick Netball here at SCOTS PGC and we are very happy that we could help our wider Warwick community in a time of need.

 

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SCOTS Experience Days

Our SCOTS Experience Days are just around the corner on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.

On these days we will welcome new students who have enrolled to commence at the College in the 2020 school year.  It is also an opportunity for prospective students to experience the SCOTS PGC environment which may help with making an enrolment decision.

While we have a great number of students already registered to attend, we’d hate for anyone to miss out on such a great opportunity.  If you are aware of any families with children that would like to be part of the Experience Days, please encourage them to contact Mrs Carmel Cowley (Director of Admissions) on 07 4666 9808 or register via our website at http://scotspgc.com.au/scots-experience-days/

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Setting Sail

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Endings are the inevitable conclusion for all new beginnings.  As this old year draws to an end, we are already looking forward to when the New Year begins, full of promises, challenges and new experiences. Mitch Albom, author of “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” wrote “All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.”  It’s a great way to look at endings in our lives; endings are a melting pot of good memories that are seasoned with the unfilled potential of new beginnings and what adventures they may bring.  It is a gateway to a happier and more fulfilled life.

This is particularly true for the graduating Year 12 students.  Embedded in all the celebrations and events of the coming week, from valedictory to the “obvious outing”, there may be a smattering of sadness.  Sadness, because we all take for granted the stable and predictable elements in our lives, such as school.  For these students, SCOTS PGC has been the constant anchor that ensures they do not stray too far from port, instilling the values that will guarantee they can navigate the stormy waters ahead.

This time of year keeps bringing me back to this quote:

“A ship in harbour is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd

For me, it typifies what education is about, as educators we aim to be the lighthouse, creating a safe place for all our students so they can grow, develop and succeed.  However, there will always be the inevitable moment when each ship will have to leave the comforting safety of the SCOTS PGC community and venture onto the high seas.  A great adventure awaits them as they sail away from this controlled environment to one where they are far more at liberty to choose their own path.  The joys of greater freedom and responsibility await and I believe that the College has prepared them well to take on this challenge and change in direction.

I am proud of all the achievements of the current Year 12s, their various successes in a wide range of quests from the great scholarly achievements, to the cultural pursuits of performance and music through to sport. They have willingly and enthusiastically accepted all the challenges presented and grasped the many leadership opportunities, both formal and informal to positively influence the student body as a whole. For that I, and the teaching staff thank them.

They are about to reach a fundamental milestone in their lives.   It is a rite of passage, one which might be characterised by contradictory feelings such as loss, confusion and sadness on the one hand and sheer jubilation, exultation and unmitigated joy on the other.  As parents, you may look back over your memories of their schooling life, you might remember their first day at school, receiving school reports, watching them playing sport or performing in a musical – life is a rich tapestry threaded and stitched together by such events.

I hope the Year 12 students take away the following sentiments and lessons:

  • Life is no dress rehearsal, every moment is precious, take hold of it and make the most of life’s opportunities;
  • You have the capacity to direct your own life; use the tools of love, compassion, humility, respect, trust and above all, service of others to shape your journey; don’t settle for less than your integrity dictates;
  • Be hopeful and optimistic and be willing to accept adversity as a challenge but never be afraid if seeking advice;
  • Be courageous and set yourself goals, many realistic and perhaps some fanciful – you may just surprise yourself;
  • Develop a sense of justice towards others: choose your battles carefully and be true to the values you hold dear;
  • Admire heroes who inspire you.

As I reflect on the recent Rugby World Cup final, listening to the eloquent and heartfelt speeches of the winners, South Africa, I am reminded of one such hero who inspires me; Nelson Mandela. Living a life of extraordinary adversity – 18 years in solitary confinement as a political prisoner he emerged into freedom to become the president of a reformed and racially unified government holding no bitterness to his previous captors, indeed making some of them ministers in his government.  Nelson Mandela said during his inaugural Presidential address: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?’ Mandela is right, don’t lead lives of quiet desperation, don’t rack up a litany of regrets, live extraordinary lives that benefit others. Look to do good and make a positive difference to your communities.   This is the hope I have for all graduates from the SCOTS PGC College.

A Bible verse that epitomises this is:

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

If nothing else, I hope we have been able to teach all our students these values; to aim for excellence in everything we do, with great spirit and respect.  So that now school is no longer providing the anchor in the Year 12s lives, they will not lose sight of the safety of land.  I look forward to hearing about their adventures in the coming years and I hope they return to tell their stories.

‘If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coelho

 

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SCOTS Social

It’s your last chance to RSVP to the SCOTS Social which is set to take place in the Assembly Hall tomorrow night.

Theme: Tradies and Tiaras (there is a prize for the best costume)

Admission: Day students $13 (will be charged to your College account)

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: SCOTS PGC Assembly Hall – 60 Oxenham Street, Warwick

Please RSVP to Bronwyn Clark: [email protected]) | 0421 723 200 | SEQTA

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Key Dates

There are a number of key events that are occurring over the coming weeks.  Here is an overview of what’s on in Week 6 (commencing 11 November 2019)

Monday 11 November

  • Year 12 Mystery Tour

Wednesday 13 November

  • Co-curricular Awards Assembly | 1:30pm | Des Davey Dining Hall

Thursday 14 November

  • Year 12 Valedictory Chapel | 5:00pm
  • Year 12 Valedictory Dinner | 6:30pm | Des Davey Dining Hall

Friday 15 November

  • Whole School Final Assembly | 10:30am | Des Davey Dining Hall

Please refer to the College calendar for all other year level and co-curricular activities.

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Community Notices

 

     

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From the Co-curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

Over the last couple of weeks, Mr Wilson and I have been reviewing data and nominations as we prepare for the Co-curricular Awards ceremony which will take place in Week 6.  We are both proud and pleased to report the significant increase we’ve noted in the number of students who have achieved representative honours throughout 2019.  To give you a clear picture, the data is best displayed in a graphical format to illustrate this pleasing upward trend.

The data shows the following statistics:

  • Southern Downs and Border District Selections
    2018 - 40 students versus 2019 - 64 students - 62% increase
  • Darling Downs/Regional Level Selections
    2018 - 17 students versus 2019 - 44 Students - 258% increase
  • Queensland Representatives
    2018 - 8 students - 2019 - 13 students - 61% increase

In 2018 our students represented the following sports: Athletics, EQ and Futsal and in 2019 students represented Athletics, Swimming, EQ and Futsal

  • Australian Representatives
    2018 - 1 student versus 2019 - 5 students - 400% increase

This is a fantastic achievement for the students and the College which showcases the opportunities and pathways available to our students along with the results that are attainable with a supportive group of coaching staff and activity coordinators.

Colours Criteria

The Colours criteria policy has been reviewed and is available for all community members from the website.  It can be accessed here: http://scotspgc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Colours-criteria-2019.pdf

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Rebuilding the Rats

Pictured above (L-R) Buchanan Titus, Braith Rohde, Anthony Savovski, Christian Seidel and Bailey Steel.

The Warwick Water Rats need your help.  They're on the lookout for people with a passion for the game to be a part of the Rats' Junior committee in 2020.

They'll help build your rugby knowledge by providing the opportunities to progress through the different levels of coaching and refereeing with the support of two level 2 coaches.

This is a great opportunity to be part of the Warwick Water Rats' community and help rebuild junior rugby in Warwick.

If you're interested please go along to the AGM on Thursday 14 November from 6:00 pm or contact Anthony Savovski 0439 585 005

 

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Iggy’s artistic eye

If you've popped into the College reception recently, you may have already seen the foyer walls adorned with the beautiful landscape photography from Year 8 student, Iggy King.  At just 14 years of age, Iggy's photographic masterpieces have won numerous prizes at local shows and also piqued the interest of nearby galleries.  This week Iggy was invited to exhibit at the EPIC Art Exhibition at Graydon Gallery in New Farm, Brisbane.  The exhibition runs from 29 October -10 November 2019 and Iggy was happy to inform us that his piece has already sold, just two days into the exhibition.

If you'd like to purchase your own piece from Iggy King Photography, come on into the College reception.  All the photography on display is available for purchase.  Iggy is selling prints for $20 and framed prints for $90 and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Queensland.  What a fantastic initiative and a talented young photographer!

 

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Key Dates

There are a number of key events that are occurring over the coming weeks.  Here is an overview of what's on in Week 5 (commencing 4 November 2019)

Monday 4 November 

  • Year 12 Exam Block commences

Tuesday 5 November

  • Junior School Musical (Full Dress rehearsal)
  • Year 10 Outward Bound Camp commences

Wednesday 6 November

  • Junior School Musical - Creepy Crawly Christmas | Warwick Town Hall

Saturday 9 November

  • Pipes and Drums Concert - Warwick Town Hall
  • Social/Dance Party| Des Davey Dining Hall

Please refer to the College calendar for all other year level and co-curricular activities.

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Ahoy Captains!

Pictured above (L-R) Andrew Wu, Joshua Bailey, Rosemary McDonald and Kira Holmes

Our new 2020 College Captains were presented at Speech Day last Friday.  Congratulations to Kira Holmes and Joshua Bailey, who will be well supported by Vice Captains, Rosemary McDonald and Andrew Wu.  As a College community, we are very excited for the year ahead and look forward to supporting these fine young men and women in their new leadership roles.  The captains will be joined by College prefects, who will be presented at the Final Assembly in Week 6.

Thank you to our 2019 Captains, Samuel Proudlove and Emily Rhodes, who have done a tremendous job in leading the College throughout the year.

 

 

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Speech Day Wrap up

Speech Day for 2019 was a momentous occasion and an opportunity to recognise the effort and academic achievement of students from across the College.  Held in the John Muir Sports Centre last Friday, performances from our Pipe Band and Choir featured amongst the afternoon's proceedings.  A long list of prize winners were acknowledged across various prize categories, with the pinnacle announcement of College Dux saved until last.  Congratulations to Bridie Shooter who took out this prestigious award and was also named as an OSCA prize winner for the best all-round achievement.  Amelia Meek was named Runner up Dux, while Samuel Proudlove was also awarded with an OSCA prize.

We are very proud of the achievements of our students in all areas of the curriculum.  We have published a complete list of the prize winners for those who were not able to see the presentations on the day.  Congratulations to all students on their persistent efforts and also to our teaching staff for their unwavering support and guidance.

[table id=17 /]

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Diving into ‘Deep Learning’

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

If you are or have ever been concerned about the shrinking habitat of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, or the well-being of the pink dolphins of the Amazon, then chances are you are familiar with the glorious career of Sir David Attenborough; surely the world’s most recognisable and influential naturalist?  In the lower profile, certainly less glamorous field of education, you would be forgiven having never heard of Michael Fullan, but for 400 delegates from all over Australia and New Zealand, gathering in Brisbane a fortnight ago, he’s possibly the nearest thing we have to the iconic Attenborough!

Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1940, Fullan rose meteorically through the ranks of educational researchers and was appointed Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 1988, a post he held for 15 years.  A hugely prolific author, Fullan is credited with designing and implementing Ontario’s provincial (government) education system so successfully that, to this day, private schools struggle to capture more than 5% of students in that province, compared to the approximately 35% of students who attend private schools across Australia.  When California decided its state education system needed to be completely overhauled in 2013, it was Michael Fullan who was appointed to lead the process.

I had enormous, probably unrealistically high expectations of the 4 hours he was to spend addressing the gathering in Brisbane, but Mr Fullan more than lived up to them.  Incredibly engaging and persuasive in laying out his ‘big picture’ view, he provided something of a call to arms that had a visibly, and audibly motivating influence on his audience that was drawn from the independent, Catholic and government education sectors.

In a nutshell (and allowing that, as one famous comedian said, ‘anything that fits into a nutshell is pretty insignificant!) Fullan believes that deep, meaningful, authentic learning requires enquiring minds to explore at least one, and as many as possible of his Big 6 principles, in every lesson.

Character, Citizenship, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking.

Of course, there may be a rare occasion where a talented educator might draw on all 6, but even if only one may be reached, then sustained, authentic, emotional and lifelong learning will be taking place; learning that is useful and ‘sticks with us for life’.

Woven around the practicalities of what lessons might look, and feel like if done with this mindset were some remarkable observations and contentions based on over 50 years in educational research and practical school improvement:

  1. Humans have been lucky in that evolution favoured us at the expense of all other species on the planet, and allowed our societies and well-being to develop and improve dramatically as our brains grew and ideas flourished. However, for the first time in human history our rate of adaptation and technological advancement will not be sufficient to see us successfully through the accelerating pace and increasing severity of current challenges, from climate change to the reappearance of nationalism and protectionism.
  2. Education’s imperative at this point is to create depth and closeness in learning communities, plugging us into our planet in ways that are being discarded by political leaders in many influential nations.
  3. Inequality in society is increasing in the USA, UK, Australia and many other developed countries; whereas, due to radically different political views in the Scandinavian nations, and Fullan’s native Canada, inequality is decreasing, bucking the wider trend.
  4. Inequality in society is a huge barrier to excellence of all sorts; educational, yes, but also in terms of economic and social outcomes for societies.
  5. Doing well materially has been exposed as not necessarily doing well at life, when measures of well-being are considered. Young people are feeling less fulfilled and content than has ever been recorded, with a global epidemic of poor mental health that far outstrips anything seen since Western industrialisation.
  6. In a study of ‘elite’ private schools in Canada and the USA, the top academic graduates were unable to remember a significant proportion of what they had learned for their final examinations when re-tested a mere 3 months later. In fact, grades fell from a mean of between A and A- in the test group to B-/C+ across all subjects tested.

How can we in education consider this to be a meaningful, sustainable, value-for-money investment in our young people, on whom we will all rely in future?

It should be noted that very similar results have been obtained when re-testing students from the education systems deemed among the most successful in international testing, such as Singapore and South Korea.  Too often young people are choosing subjects they have no genuine interest in, driven by parents, not their own passion.

Fullan summed up his educational philosophy using a famous John Dewey quote,

‘Education is not just a preparation for life; it is life itself!’

I walked away almost dizzy with both the implications of what Michael Fullan had said, and the responsibility that all of us involved in any facet of education have to reflect on how we can continue to improve outcomes in the noble quest for deep learning; for our students, and ourselves.

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On the red carpet – Centenary Ball

The Centenary Ball was an evening of glitz and glamour to celebrate the College's 100-year history.  Hosted by our P & F Association, the Ball attracted parents, friends and past students of the College as guests, who celebrated the evening in style with a gourmet three-course meal and fantastic entertainment by Brisbane band, 'Lure'.  A highlight of the evening was watching artist, Donna Gibb, once again paint a masterpiece which was auctioned later in the evening.

Thank you to all who attended and made the evening a night to remember.  Special thanks to our P & F Association and chef, John Rogers and his team who always put together a spectacular event.

Here's a preview from our red carpet arrivals, compliments of our photographer, Sophie Osborn.  All ball guests will be emailed with a link to photos from the evening for free download.

 

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Pipers perform at UC Spring Fair

Our pipers and drummers made their annual pilgrimage to the Uniting Church Spring Fair Warwick last Saturday.

The event is an opportunity for our new members to perform in front of an audience which helps to grow confidence in preparation for larger performances.

Sandy piped outside as guests arrived then our chanter players played inside the church. Our members went through some note recognition, scales and played Amazing Grace as an ensemble for the appreciative gathering. In between playing, some of our boys and girls spoke to the audience on their experiences within the Pipes and Drums which was supported with snippets of history on the Pipes and Drums and Scottish culture.

Chanter players from left to right above: Timothy Amos (Year 3), Shya-Rose Thompson (Year 3), Nathanael Amos (Year 4), Thomas Crawford (Year 4), Angus Brown (Year 6), Myles Burgess (Year 7) and Sophia Pettiford (Year 3).

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Year 11 Urban Safari

When we think of outdoor education, a remote bush camp, hiking and canoeing is usually the first image that comes to mind.  Well, this year our Year 11 students had a complete change of scenery, exchanging trees and scrub for the hustle and bustle of the busy Brisbane CBD in the College’s first ever ‘Urban Safari’.

One of the fundamental objectives of an outdoor education experience is to provide an environment away from the College where students can learn more about themselves and each other.  Students learn how to work as part of team and discover what their strengths and weaknesses are when faced with different practical challenges.

The urban safari certainly delivered on all fronts.  Students threw themselves into every challenge with great enthusiasm.  The three days included a night-time climb of Brisbane’s Story Bridge and an urban centric version of the ‘Amazing Race’, where groups of students made their way around the city completing mini challenges and navigating their way to certain geographical checkpoints.  The final day included an ‘Escape Room’ experience which was voted by the group as their most favourite aspect of the trip.

All in all, our Year 11 students had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed their time together, bonding as a group.  Thank you to the supervising staff who accompanied our boys and girls and helped to make this a worthwhile experience.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T4W4 Sport Fixtures     T4W4 Co-curricular Program

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Queensland School Sport 13-19 years Track and Field Championships

Three SCOTS PGC Students headed north to sunny Cairns for the Queensland School Sport 13-19 years Track and Field Championships held at Barlow Park Stadium.

William Gilmore, Mackenzie Mayall and Cooper Seng all represented their College and the region admirably across the course of the competition gaining various results.

Cooper competed on Day 3 of the Championship in the Triple Jump and the Discus for 15 years boys. He gained fifteenth place in the Discus with a throw of 40.97m and followed this up with fifteenth in the Triple Jump with a very handy 12.04m effort.

Mackenzie lined up against a class field in the 15 years 400m and ran a creditable 56.11sec which I believe, is a season's best to gain sixteenth place in the twenty strong field of runners from across the state.

William finished sixth in the Discus with a creditable 43.06m in what was an extremely consistent set of throws from the young man. In the Hammer throw on Day 4 William certainly saved the best for last with a 49.27m hurl of the hammer, to secure the gold medal in the 16 years boys event. William now qualifies for the Nationals All Schools event in Perth in early December and we wish him the very best in his efforts.

All in all, a great effort from the boys and we thank them for their exceptional representations of sportsmanship across the season but most particularly at the State Championships where it was my pleasure to witness much of their efforts as team manager.

SCOTS Junior Touch Competition

Week 1 went off very smoothly and was hailed as quite successful with 144 odd players taking to the ovals of SCOTS PGC for our annual SCOTS Junior Touch Competition. Skills and drills are the focus of the Under 6 group while the Under 8 and Under 10 groups continue in this approach with the addition of a competitive game to conclude their session. The Under 12 and 14 teams really get amongst it with end to end footy the call of the day. Play resumes this Friday, so please see the SCOTS Junior Touch Facebook page for details of times and teams etc. Our Wednesday evening touch players have taken the lead on this and ran their teams well in the first week.

Warwick Touch Association Wednesday Evening Competition

Our three teams are progressing well with development demonstrated across all grades. Percy Kruger, Shona McFarland, Geoffrey Warren and Peter McFarland were certainly stand outs in their teams last week and the team dynamics are improving all the time. Competition continues each Wednesday with games at 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

Representative Honours Table

Our Representative Honours list for 2019 grows and grows and will be published for all via SEQTA next Monday. Please take in the many successes of our students and feel free to update me if I have made any errors. Our Representative Honours table comprises pathways for school-based sports (i.e. in which the College participates or offers as a pathway here at the College).

Saturday Junior Cricket

Cricket has started with a bang last week and continues until the end of the term in Under 11, Under 13 and Under 16 grades. If you are interested, please come down on Wednesday afternoon to dip your toes in as it were in preparation for the 2020 Term 1 season.

 

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Australian Maths Competition

Miss Angela Brittain | Head of STEM

In an attempt to discover the country’s best problem solvers, some of our SCOTS PGC College maths enthusiasts nominated to take part in this year’s  Australian Maths Competition (AMC).

The AMC is an engaging 30-problem competition that demonstrates the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives; it is open to students in Years 3 to 12 and takes place during Term 3.

Twenty-one of our students took up the challenge and we are very pleased to acknowledge the following students who achieved excellent results and will be recognised at our next Assembly:

  • Benn Hunter – Credit
  • Isaac Ratcliffe – Credit
  • Heather Cox – Credit
  • Will Gilmore - Distinction
  • Hannah Myer – Prize Winner

Special congratulations to Hannah Myer in Year 9, who was recognised by the Australian Maths Trust as a ‘Prize Winner’.  Hannah placed in the top 0.3% of Year 9 students in Australia!  As a result, she was invited to attend a special dinner to receive her award.  This is a wonderful achievement – Well done Hannah!

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Key Dates

There are a number of key events that are occurring over the coming weeks.  Here is an overview of what's on in Week 4 (commencing 28 October 2019)

Monday 28 October 

  • Prep Readiness Session | Open to all new Prep aged students commencing in 2020
  • Year 10 Exam Block commences

Please refer to the College calendar for all other year level and co-curricular activities.

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Being Curious and Asking Questions

Ms Amy Woodgate | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

How do clouds float in the sky?  

Where does a circle end? 

Why do I have two eyes if I only see one thing? 

How do museums preserve memories? 

What is light made of? 

Do any of these tricky questions sound familiar?

A key element of developing critical and creative thinking is being curious, that is asking questions and having the confidence to seek out the answers.  Curiosity is the desire to learn, to understand new things, and to know how they work.  Curiosity is an important element in the process of learning at any age.

Research has suggested that intelligence isn’t the only element required for academic performance.  Curiosity can actually make the learning more enjoyable, more effective and more sustainable.  By being curious, students are actively engaging in a dynamic process.  They are wanting to know more, to read more, and to delve deeper by asking more.

Although it is often intrinsic for children to ask questions, we also want them to develop the skills necessary to be able to research and discover the answers to their questions.  Students need to be able to take a risk, be willing to challenge what they know and be an inquirer.

For children to develop and satisfy their urge to know, they need role models, opportunities to practice and guidance.  Their curiosity is rewarded through time together chatting, time spent inquiring into an answer or the chance to share new knowledge with others.

Being able to say “I don’t know, but let’s find out” is powerful as it validates the question and encourages those who are asking to work through their thinking and construct their own knowledge.

We want our students to wonder about the world around them. Being curious isn’t necessarily about finding the answer.  The value of being curious lies in the exploration.   It is curiosity that is essential for growth and development.

 “The important thing is not to stop questioning.  Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” Albert Einstein

 

We want our students to keep asking those tricky questions!

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Speech Day Road Closure

In order to provide a safer environment for students, staff and visitors, the section of East Street in front of the John Muir Sports Centre will be closed to traffic from 12:00 pm on Friday, 25 October.

Parents and other visitors may still park along Oxenham Street. The road will be re-opened at the conclusion of Speech Day.

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Divine our Destiny – A social event

We are so excited to have the group, 'Divine Our Destiny' performing and DJ- ing for us at Kings Theatre.   This social evening is open to all SCOTS PGC day and boarding students from Year 7 to Year 12.  There are limited tickets available, so please register early to avoid disappointment.

To ensure a safe and controlled environment at the venue, the College's Adopt-a-Cop, Sergeant Shane Reid will be present for the entire evening along with College staff.

The event details are as follows:

Date: Saturday 9 November

Time: 6:45 pm for a 7:00 pm start

Where: Warwick Kings Theatre

Cost: $20 per ticket (includes refreshments) which can be charged to your College account

Theme: Tradies and Tiaras

Registration must be forwarded in writing and returned to Ms Bronwyn Clarke via SEQTA.  Please refer to your direct message for consent details.

We are looking forward to your children being a part of this brilliant night to celebrate the fast-approaching end of 2019.  Please don't hesitate to contact Bronwyn if you have any questions.

 

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Junior School Musical Tickets

We are very excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for our Junior School Musical -  Creepy Crawly Christmas

This special event will take place at the Warwick Town Hall on Wednesday, 6 November at 6:30 pm.
Tickets are now available for purchase online through Trybooking:  www.trybooking.com/567079

Our boys and girls and their families have been extremely busy behind the scenes in preparation for this event.  We'll be sharing more information on their progress as we get closer to the concert date.

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Rodeo Round Up

With the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft set to start next week, we’d like to highlight the outstanding achievement of three of our students who have been awarded various Warwick Rodeo titles.

LilyGrace Robinson in Year 10, was crowned as the 2019 Warwick Rodeo Princess for Horsemanship and also received the Runner-Up title as the 2019 Warwick Rodeo Princess.  LilyGrace is happy to be part of this year’s events, even though being in the spotlight is a little out of her comfort zone.  Fellow classmate, Charlotte Jarvis, received the crown for 2019 Warwick Rodeo Princess for Personality.

Middle School student, Mackenzie March was honoured to receive the titles of the 2019 Warwick Rodeo Junior Cowgirl and 2019 Warwick Rodeo Junior Cowgirl for Horsemanship.  A keen barrel racer, Mackenzie is no stranger to the rodeo arena and the excitement it brings when she competes.

All three students will be performing various promotional duties throughout next week in the lead up to the Warwick Rodeo which will take place next weekend.  Congratulations to these three girls – as a College community, we are extremely proud and supportive of these achievements.

 

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T4W3 Co-curricular Program     T4W3 Sport Fixtures

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular activities

We’ve made our way through yet another busy week of activities and are pleased to report on the following highlights:

13-19 years Queensland Track and Field Championships

This weekend three of our athletics sporting stars will set off for Cairns to take part in the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships competing against 13-19-year-old students from all corners of the state in various events.

Cooper Seng will test his ability in the long jump, while Will Gilmore is set to take on the discus and hammer throw – events that he has been highly successful in over previous years.  Mac Mayall will be competing in the 400m event.  We wish the boys every success and look forward to sharing their results as they are reported.

SCOTS Junior Touch

This afternoon the first round of the SCOTS Junior Touch competition kicks off on Briggs and Dunning Ovals.  This season we are pleased to welcome around 150 players from the Warwick community aged between 6 and 14 years old.

The first of our games will commence at 4:00 pm for players in the Under 6, Under 8 and Under 10 divisions.  Under 12 and 14 players will kick off at 4:45 pm.

National Schools Futsal Championships

Further to our report last week, we are pleased to advise that Bradley Cook has received a late invitation to represent Australia at an international level in China during 2020.  Congratulations, Bradley on this fantastic achievement.  We wish you all the best should you take up this opportunity.

Darling Downs Trials – Futsal and Cricket

On Monday, Krystal Petersen, Gabby Sellick and Sahara Pickering attended the 13 years’ girls Futsal trials for selection to the Darling Downs team.  Unfortunately, our ladies were unsuccessful on this occasion.

Jed Esson has travelled to Toowoomba Grammar School today to trial for the Under 14 cricket team to represent the Darling Downs.  Jed is up against a field of tough competition, so we wish him all the best.

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Year 6 takes a tour of Canberra

Last week, 19 students and 4 staff went back to school early and left for the Year 6 Canberra Tour.  It was an action-packed week, with a full itinerary of places to visit and activities to do in Canberra.  The main purpose for our visit was to learn more about our Australian system of government, how parliament operates and how elections are run.

Our trip focussed on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.  The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education.  To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributes funding per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program to go towards these costs.  The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

We were also able to spend some time while we were away visiting other places of interest in Canberra, including Questacon, the Royal Australian Mint, the Australian Institute of Sport and Floriade.  We also managed to have some fun together as a group and loved our accommodation at Camp Cottermouth.

Kate P and Will  A have shared some of their memories from the trip below.

Hi my name is Kate and I went to Canberra with SCOTS PGC College. The best thing about the trip was going with my friends on a trip away from school. I have always wanted to go on a trip with my friends but it is always so much money, so I finally got to go and it was a blast. Going to Old and New Parliament House, Questacon, the War Memorial, the Southern Cross Cruise were highlights. We had the best bus drivers ever - they were so fun and great. The camp where we stayed had the best meals and great camp leaders. Every night and morning we have different meals. The worst part about camp was when we had to come home. I didn’t want to because I would have to go back to just seeing my friends at school, but of course, I want to see my family and pets again. I am sure that when the teachers got home they would have gone to bed straight away. But I had the best time at camp. I would like to thank the teachers for taking us to Canberra. It’s a camp I will never forget!

Kate P – Year 6

 

 The Canberra trip was very fun and joyful. Camp Cottermouth was very welcoming with its food and hospitality. The cabins were huge and there were logs and space to have fun.

My favourite part of the whole trip was Questacon as we got to see a talking robot. Questacon was like a series of massive galleries with things such as robot air hockey, steep drop slides, models of how robots evolved, microscopes for checking out bugs and heaps of scientific toys to play with. It was also fun to spend time with my classmates and teachers and to get to know them better. The worst part was travelling on the bus home. Everyone was so tired and sleepy. I loved my trip to Canberra!

Will A – Year 6

 

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Key Dates

There are a number of key events that are occurring over the coming weeks.  Here is an overview of what's on in Week 3 (commencing 21 October 2019)

Monday 21 October 

  • Verification Day | No school buses running on this day.
  • P & F Meeting (7:00pm - 8:00 pm) | P & F Pavillion at Briggs Oval

Friday 25 October

  • Speech Day (commences at 1:15 pm) | John Muir Sports Centre
    Please note road closures will be in place

Saturday 26 October

  • Rodeo Street Parade (communication to follow via SEQTA)

Please refer to the College calendar for all other year level and co-curricular activities.

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Recognising success and dealing with disappointment

Mr Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Philosopher

Motivation and success are what drive individuals in any profession.  As a College community, it is critically important that we come together to celebrate and recognise the outstanding things that our students have accomplished, both within the College and within the broader community.  Watching students grow and accomplish their goals is one of the main reasons many teachers choose to go into education, to see them flourish and thrive. The recognition of students fosters strong relationships among students, families, faculty, and the community and creates a positive school culture where students feel valued.

At SCOTS PGC College we come together every year for our Speech Day tradition to recognise and support student accomplishments.  On Friday 25 October, we will celebrate student achievement in all areas, including the sciences, maths, humanities and the elective subjects.  It is truly a wonderful occasion and I hope to see many of our College community joining with us to applaud these accomplishments.

“Don't worry when you are not recognised, but strive to be worthy of recognition.”
- Abraham Lincoln

As with any award events, there will inevitably be those who will not be officially recognised.  Learning to deal with this disappointment, to strive to come back better, stronger and more determined, is the mark of true character.  Take the Dux of the College, for example. The criteria at the College is a "student who achieves the highest results in their top five ‘authority’ subjects as defined at verification."  Unfortunately, there can be only one winner and one runner-up, there will be many students who worked hard, achieved amazing results but did not manage to rank in the top two.   This is where the College value of tenacity is so important:

‘Challenge is inevitable. The way we rise defines our true character. Tenacity speaks to our commitment to sustained effort and hard work – our ‘never give up’ attitude.’

Disappointment is a normal, though difficult, part of growing up. How your children learn to respond to disappointment will determine its impact on their future achievement and happiness.

I know, looking at my young nine-month-old child as he chases the cat across the lounge, that at some point he is going to be disappointed that he did not catch the cat.  He may even experience the swish of claws for his troubles.  I know I will struggle to explain to him in fifteen or so years’ time, why he did not get an award when his best friend did.  However, I also know that those decisions would have gone through weeks of agonising deliberation, data crunching and many consultations.

If a child cares enough about an activity to be disappointed by not winning an award, that activity has probably been important to their development. They had probably grown and gained any number of important intrinsic benefits, including relationships and interpersonal skills.  When facing disappointment, it is important to focus on the happy memories, the lessons learned, the personal growth and skills cultivated.

Rather than the disappointment disheartening your child, you can help them use the experience to affirm their capabilities. It is our role as teachers, parents and community members to assist our students and to demonstrate that how we respond is key.  How sometimes clouds have a silver lining, they spur us on to greater achievements and that the way we rise defines our true character.

Always aiming higher.

 

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Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. Applications are now open and must be submitted by 31 October 2019 (no late submissions will be accepted).

To check your eligibility and understand the application process please visit– https://www.schooltransport.com.au/check-your-eligibility/bfap/

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National Police Remembrance Day

Year 7 student, Samuel Bourke was the lone piper who led the procession during the National Police Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church during the holidays.  The day is recognised each year on 29 September to honour the sacrifice of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  It is a special day which is commemorated in all police jurisdictions across the nation and widely attended by Australian Police officers and the general public.

Samuel piped with reverence during the wreath-laying and respectfully led the procession on the conclusion to what was an emotive and reflective service. Samuel started with the Pipes and Drums in Year 4.

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College Photograph Day | Tuesday 15 October

On Tuesday 15 October, school photographers will be here to capture a number of group photographs including:

  • Co-curricular sporting teams,
  • Co-curricular cultural groups,
  • Descendants of Past Students - this is for those students who are a direct descendant of a past student (i.e. father/mother, grandfather/grandmother attended the College)

Students are to wear their formal uniform for the photographs which is detailed as follows:

For girls in Years 7 to 12:  summer skirt, blouse and tie worn with the blazer, polished black shoes and green socks.

For boys in Years 7 to 12: long grey trousers, blue shirt with tie (shirt can be either long or short-sleeved) polished black shoes with grey socks and blazer.

For girls in Years 1 to 6: summer dress, polished black shoes and green socks.

For boys in Years 1 to 6: long grey trousers, blue shirt (shirt can be either long or short-sleeved) polished black shoes with grey socks.

More information regarding photograph day will be sent via SEQTA and available on daily notices.

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Casual Clothes Day | Monday 14 October

On Monday 14 October students are encouraged to dress in casual clothes in exchange for a gold coin donation.

The money raised will be donated to the Ponytail Project participants who are cutting their hair to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Council, QLD.

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

During the holidays our three Queensland state representatives, Chase Naylor, Sophie Brennan and Georgia Rohde set off for Sydney to compete at the Interschool Equestrian Nationals.  This is the pinnacle event for the year which sees the country’s best horses and riders come together to battle it out for competition honours.

The atmosphere of the competition was fantastic – all of our riders thoroughly enjoyed the experience, forged new friendships and generally had a great time.  We can proudly report the following results for our SCOTS PGC team members:

Chase came home with a third place in the 120cm show jumping, Sophie placed fifteenth in the Show Hunter and Georgia placed eighth in the 2* eventing. The Queensland team were also awarded this year’s ‘Spirit Award’ which Queensland has not won since the competition began. This is a huge achievement for all riders and we would like to congratulate them on their individual and collective successes.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

For most, the school holidays are viewed as a time to relax and unwind.  For some of our students, the holidays presented opportunities to represent the College and wider region in either a sport or service activity.   Here is a brief overview of what some of our students were able to achieve in their two-week break:

 National Schools Futsal Championships

Hosted in Brisbane over the school holidays, seven SCOTS PGC students participated in the National Schools Futsal Championships. Phoebe Sellick and Sahara Pickering played in the Under 13 Queensland West team and although the team was not overly successful, the group improved with each game.  As a result of their individual performances, national selectors have offered Phoebe a spot in the Under 13 Girls Australian team to tour Barcelona in 2020, and Sahara a spot in the Under 14 Australian Team to tour the United Kingdom.

Madison Kane was a solid performer in the Queensland West Under 15 Team whilst Lucy Jackson learned a lot from her experience with the Under 16 Team. Toby Callaghan and Geoffrey Warren both played for Tasmania in the Under 16 boys and although the team did not make the semi-finals, both boys stood out catching the eye of the selectors resulting in an invitation to tour China in 2020 with the Australian Under 16 and Under 17 teams respectively.

Finally, Bradley Cook played for Queensland South Coast and made it all the way to the semi-finals only to be knocked out by the Queensland City team. Bradley was unwell for the duration of the championship and as such had limited time on the court and by his own admission, was not at his best.

All in all, this was a great competition and our students gained valuable experience at the highest level for their age in the country. All students noted how much faster the competition was and how much they learned.  To provide some perspective, each year group could have up to 130 players, with only 30 players identified worthy of national selection.  It is, therefore, quite an honour to be invited to attend at an international level and a great opportunity for the selected students to see the world.  We wish all our selected students the very best should they choose to take up their invitations.

National 10-12 Years Track and Field Championships

SCOTS speedsters Hayley Wainwright and Nicholas Denny travelled to Darwin to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships for students aged 10-12 on the first weekend of the school holidays.

The pair exceeded their event expectations and walked away with a number of new personal best achievements and championships medals.

Hayley placed fifth in the combined event which was a fantastic achievement on the national stage.  She achieved personal bests in three of the four events and also ran the 100m leg in the medley relay which earned a spot on the podium and a bronze medal.  Well done Hayley!

Nick also achieved personal bests in both the 200m and 100m which resulted in a bronze medal for the 200m event.  Queensland boasted a very fast relay team, which earned them the top spot on the podium and a gold medal for the 4 x 100m relay.  Nick also competed in the long jump but missed out on a medal, placing an honourable fourth position

Congratulations Hayley and Nick – you have done your school and state proud!

 

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Ponytail Project

The Ponytail Project is special to SCOTS PGC.  Last year, you may recall that six courageous ladies from our Year 12 class cut off their ponytails to support the Cancer Council, QLD in their quest to raise funds and help make a difference to those who have been directly impacted by cancer.

Well, this year we have raised the stakes and seven brave SCOTS PGC students will be continuing the Ponytail Project legacy by lopping off their locks in the name of cancer research.  Amelia Meek, Bridie Shooter, Jessica Brierley, Emily Rhodes, Barbara Geach, Aiden Diack and Amelia Spriggs will be cutting off their extra-long ponytails at a special assembly on 18 October, so before they make the big chop, they are seeking our help to raise the much-needed funds to support their cause.

There are many ways we can help, here are just a few:

  • Purchase a ticket in the Ponytail Project raffle – the first prize is a patchwork quilt, hand made by our very own College Captain, Emily Rhodes. Tickets can be purchased from the main reception for $1.00 each.
  • Support Casual Clothes Day - On Monday 14 October, wear your casual clothes to school for a gold coin donation.
  • Make a donation – Our Ponytail Project girls have a fundraising support page where online donations can be made. All you need to do is click on the green ‘Give Now’ button to enter your donation details and offer a message of support.

https://ponytailproject2019.everydayhero.com/au/scots-pgc-college-2019

We are very proud of the girls and their commitment to support such a worthy cause – Well done!

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Training Wheels and High Heels

Mr Kyle Thompson | Principal

Why indeed have a formal or in the SCOTS vernacular, a Cardinal? Is it just an excuse to buy new clothes, or make ones-self “beautiful” and take selfies? On the surface of these types of events, this all happens to various degrees (heaven forbid my daughters wear the same dress twice when attending these types of events during their schooling….). However, there are much more complex experiences being shared as part of adolescent development. Our Year 12 and some of our Year 11 students continued that development on the last day of Term 3 when they entered our spectacularly decorated assembly hall, partnering each other, to make more memories of their time at SCOTS PGC College.

It is always interesting and joyful (at least mostly) in watching the development of our young people. Our boys arrived, many wearing what were obviously new suits or other new items of clothing. Even something that can become so mundane in later life, such as the purchasing of a new suit, can be a significant moment for our young men. I still remember my grandfather taking me to David Jones in the city to buy my first. Likewise, the shopping for dresses for daughters can also be part of the special relationship between parent and child. Although I duck for cover when this happens at home.

It must be said, that without exception the boys looked sharp. Watching boys who are comfortable in rugby shorts and training shirts, or who normally are challenged in wearing a school uniform correctly suddenly appear beautifully attired and perfectly groomed shows their sense of occasion and their personal development as young men. No doubt it shows their awareness of “product” as well. How time has changed.

Similarly, observing our girls is interesting too. Observing the preparation of my own daughters for such an event and now hearing the stories relating to our SCOTS PGC girls is an entire education in itself. Dresses, shoes, makeup, tan, hair, and the list goes on and on. In spite of the similar ages, there were some differences in observing the genders. The girls seem to never let comfort get in the way of fashion. The boys looked comfortable in long pants, coats and long shirts. It was pleasing to observe many boys allowing their partners the use of their jackets if necessary. Social courtesies being not only learned but demonstrated. The boys also seemed far more comfortable in their shoes. The girls perhaps needing training wheels for their heels, especially when negotiating dancing or the length of the evening. Clearly, there was a theme at times of ‘my feet hurt’. I smile at this. Perhaps a female rite of passage?

The overriding lesson for me though was through the general observation of all our kids at such an event. Looking smart, manners front and centre and even the introductions made by boys and girls to my wife and I as they entered the event were really first class. From a distance, many of our students could have passed for being in their mid-twenties. This made me reflect. Sometimes we can expect too much from our children, or worse, allow them the leeway of an adult because of their physical appearance. It is hard to remember they are still largely kids on the inside. When I stood back and observed closely and, more importantly, truly listened, it became very obvious that our teenagers are on their way to adulthood but the journey is far from complete. There is still some of the little boy or girl in there! And, that is a good thing. We should, whilst supporting our children’s growth and development, remember that they are not yet grown up. Helping them to grow up slowly, at the right times, and with a graduation of responsibility and expectation is important. Many of our kids miss out on being teenagers and go straight to adulthood. The teenage years are important in developing good adults. And, there’s no need to rush to complete the journey.

So as our boys and girls left the venue I thought about what an important night this was in terms of that adolescent journey. I thought about all of the benchmarks of increasing maturity I observed and of the benchmarks showing these boys and girls not yet to be adults. We must remember that training wheels are not just for high heels being worn for the first time but they are important for many aspects of the adolescent years, as our children develop into great human beings.

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Leading

Mr Kyle Thompson | Principal

One of the books I have enjoyed reading in recent times is Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last. I found the first few chapters quite captivating, from the title to the underlying philosophy of how people become leaders and what this truly means. This is a timely reflection as we enter into our appointment process for Senior School leaders.

This, in turn, has made me reflect on what we do as parents and as teachers to provide an environment where our children not only succeed but lead and consider the welfare of those around them as they progress.

The title of the book refers to the US Marine’s philosophy whereby the most junior in their ranks go first and the highest-ranking officers go last.

This symbolises strength, commitment to those they work with and a willingness to put others before oneself. We live in a world where society is becoming more self-obsessed. In a corporate sense, people attempt to climb over one another to get ahead, and people are becoming less likely to do anything unless they get a reward, financial bonus, title, or another form of recognition. At SCOTS PGC our boys and girls live and grow in an environment of privilege. We (parents and staff) strive to help them succeed.

So do we, or how do we strive to teach them how to lead? Many of our boys and girls will lead in society so I think this is an area we need to continue to be aware of developing. To lead does not mean to receive favour, privilege, or a title.

Leaders Eat Last references an A10 (warthog) pilot putting his life at risk to protect 22 marines ‘on the ground’ that he has never met. When asked why, he responds with “they’d do the same for me” and “it’s my job.” He doesn’t ask for a promotion, a bonus or an award; he just knows that in his organisation they all look after each other rather than themselves.

I’d like to think that this is how my family operates. I am a taxi driver, provider, advisor, dad, husband and everything that comes with this. In a real context, we (staff) at SCOTS PGC also do similar things with our boys and girls. As a result of this ‘giving’ of oneself to benefit others (all great teachers, employers and leaders do this), I also see my children and the boys and girls at SCOTS PGC reciprocate and give back to staff, other students, their school and indeed society. This is a sign of a strong community.

It also means from a parenting perspective I don’t have to pay my daughters to do everything I ask them to and I know, in their way, they look out for me too. This willing to do for ‘doings’ sake is very important! It shows true leadership and a strong sense of community.

I see our boys and girls in our school lead this way regularly. I have observed senior students drop to their haunches to speak to Prep students, I’ve seen our students carry items for parents, staff or community members. Why? Because it is the right thing to do and they care about their community. This form of leading makes our community stronger through good actions. No financial reward, no badge, just leadership and knowing our boys and girls do what needs to be done.

In a world where people are generally rewarded for doing things that benefit themselves, imagine a world where people did things to benefit others knowing the ‘others would all do the same for them'. That is why service activities, collective values and a sense of community are so important. Indeed, so SCOTS PGC.

 

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Netball’s night of awards

To round out the netball season the Warwick Netball Presentation Dinner was held last Saturday night at the Hawker Road Function Centre. After a nail biting performance at the grand final, our SCOTS PGC Open team were awarded their ‘trophies’ for taking out the C grade competition. Rosemary McDonald was awarded ‘Defender’ of the final, and Mr Thompson presented the inaugural SCOTS PGC 'Sportsmanship' awards.

[caption id="attachment_5952" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mr Kyle Thompson with the SCOTS PGC College Sportsmanship Awardees for 2019[/caption]

 

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Real-World Business Experience

Mrs Louise Ratcliffe | Business Teacher

Year 10 Business students have been getting a taste of the ‘real world’ this week, as they act as consultants for two local businesses as part of the Mindshop Excellence program.

CSM Service Bodies and Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) have provided our students with practical business projects to work on this week and our students have risen to the challenge in devising creative solutions and project outcomes.  Our SDRC consultants have been working on a very topical project related to creating community awareness about water usage, and the CSM group have been looking at the issues associated with merging two businesses, in particular, a new location.

The Mindshop Excellence Program is facilitated by Power Tynan Financial Advisors.  The culmination of the week-long experience was on Thursday when students presented their recommendations to the business management, staff, school representatives and their parents at the final presentation meeting.

The College would like to thank the host businesses and Power Tynan for their support to enable our boys and girls to have this invaluable experience.

 

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T20 Cricket Gala Day

On Wednesday nine students from Years 5 and 6 ventured down to Slade Park to participate in the T20 Cricket Gala Day against several other schools from the district. The day was a great introduction to the sport for many but also an opportunity for some of our stars to shine.

The team consisting of James Bourke, Liam Poole, Ellyse Kruger, Mackenzie Taylor, Abbey Petersen, Jack McCarthy, Izak Kruger, Isaac Ratcliffe, William Angus played four matches across the day and scored some great runs in all matches. We lost our first two matches, one being by the narrowest of margins, then demonstrated how much we learnt in a small time to come back and win our final two matches convincingly with scores of 167 and 204 respectively followed by much improved fielding and bowling displays from all team members.

Abbey Petersen demonstrated the greatest improvement across the day followed by Mackenzie Taylor. James Bourke although cautious on the run chase showed great skill with the bat as did Liam Poole and Izak Kruger. These shining lights were very well supported by the talented Ellyse Kruger and the ever improving Isaac Ratcliffe whose flashes of brilliance showed great promise for the future. Jack McCarthy and William Angus were consistent throughout with solid batting and bowling performances that steadied the ship on several occasions.

On behalf of the students I offer a huge thank you to our GAP students Mr Jeremy Beyleveld and Mr Scott Stretton for their attendance, umpiring and coaching during the day that contributed to the success of our team. At the end, Cricket was the winner with all students walking away with a great experience and enthusiasm for more.

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Summer Uniform in Term 4

A reminder that when Term 4 resumes, all students are to be in full summer uniform. Please CLICK HERE to view the uniform requirements for each year level.

Throughout the holidays, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday (as usual) and then also Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of Week 1 of Term 4.

For more information, please phone Deb on 07 4666 9892 or email [email protected]

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SCOTS PGC on Tour

Our SCOTS PGC College Pipes and Drums and Senior Girls’ Choir hit the road in Week 8 on a three-day musical tour to visit communities in western Queensland and northern New South Wales.  The tour is renowned for the development of teamwork between the two groups and the engagement of the communities we are connected with.

Setting off early on the Monday, the first day comprised a stop-off to St Mary’s School in Goondiwindi to warm up the vocal chords and play some tunes as part of the first performance of the tour.  The next stop was St George, where our students performed to St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and the residents at the local aged care facility.  We later joined forces with the St Pat’s Choir to put on a community concert for the people of St George.  We were treated to some fantastic country hospitality, kindly provided by one of our SCOTS mums – Mrs Anna Twidale with the help of her mum, Laurel Cornford and sister Kylie.  Thank you ladies!

Day two saw a further three school performances at Thallon State School, Mungindi Central School and Moree Public School.  Once again our pipers and drummers treated the local Moree aged care residents to some tunes in the garden, whilst our choir worked alongside the Moree school choir to polish their performance which was later delivered at the Moree Community Concert.  A big thank you to all of the boarding parent community who turned out to support our students in Moree – it was wonderful to catch up with you all.

Our last day was just as busy as the previous two.  The morning kicked off with a radio interview at 2NZ Inverell where Abby Dalziel, Ewan McFarland and Jacolene DeJager spoke to listeners about all things SCOTS PGC.  They finished off by playing the bagpipes, chalking up the first ever live performance carried out in the Inverell studio.

School performances later that day included stop-offs to Inverell Public School, Glen Innes and finally, Tenterfield.

In essence, the trip was a wonderful way to connect with regional schools who may not have the opportunity to see cultural performances on a regular basis.  Students at each of the schools were genuinely engaged and the SCOTS PGC boys and girls thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the tour.  Thank you to all of the staff who were involved in making the trip possible, especially Mrs Wendy Whittaker, Mrs Gabi Laws, Mr Sandy Dalziel and Mrs Christine Peterson – your efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

 

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Year 11 Cert III in Agriculture zap up a new electric fence

Mr Peter Collett | Agriculture Teacher

Gallagher representative Jayson Webb, donated a day of his time and about $2500 worth of fencing materials to help our Year 11 Cert III in Ag students to construct a brand new electric fence along Yangan road.

Our new electric fence commercially marketed as the ‘Westonfence’ stands at about 1.5 metres in height and consists of 10 wires, half of which are live. Gallagher’s Westonfence is proving very popular in rural Australia as a cost effective answer to exclusion fencing.

Our students were very surprised at the ease and simplicity of the fence erection. Our new Westonfence should keep out any intruders including town dogs that we have had trouble with in the past.

A huge thanks to Jayson and the team at Gallagher for such a generous donation.  We are also grateful for the practical experience of being able to apply our fence erection skills onsite at the College.

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

The dust has almost settled on what has been a spectacular term of co-curricular activities.  To close our our tenth week, here is a final wrap up of what’s in store over the holidays and the upcoming choice of activities in Term 4.  Thank you to all students for the effort and enthusiasm you’ve extended throughout the year – we are looking forward to working with you all in Term 4 to make 2019 one to remember!

National Schools Futsal Championships 2019

We take this opportunity to wish all our students attending the National Schools Futsal Championships in Brisbane the very best for their competition in the second week of the school holidays.

Phoebe Sellick and Sahara Pickering will represent Queensland West in the 12-13 years combined girls team whilst, Geoffrey Warren and Toby Callaghan will represent Tasmania in the Under 16 boys team due to numbers, Madison Kane Under 15 and Lucy Jackson Under 16 will both be representing Queensland West, Bradley Cook will contest the Under 19 championships with Queensland South Coast. The draw is now available on the Australian Futsal Association Facebook page.

We wish all students the very best as they play for their respective teams, and we look forward to hearing of their exploits in our first Term 4 newsletter.

Term 4 - Co-Curricular Activities

In Term 4 we have a broad range of activities for students to participate in.  Please review and consider the following list of activities with your children and reply with selections by 30 September.   Following this, groups will be formed and the relevant communications distributed. Please reply directly to the Teacher in charge (TIC) as noted below unless otherwise stated.

Activities on offer are:

Equestrian - continues daily as per usual - Grace Buchholz is the Co-ordinator (Week 1-7 Term 4) - Please contact her direct.

Senior Girls’ Choir - continues as per usual Years 7-12 students.  Mrs Wendy Whittaker is the TIC (Week 1-7 Term 4) Please contact her direct.

Sustainability Club - continues as per usual Years 1-6 students Mrs Bernie Bourke is the TIC (Week 1-7 Term 4) Please contact her direct.

JAM Choir - continues as per usual for Years 1-6 students.  Mrs Shell Campbell is the TIC (Week 1-7 Term 4) Please contact her direct.

Debating Workshops – commences on Wednesday afternoons for Years 6-8 students.  Mrs Nicola Hight is the TIC (Week 1-7 Term 4) Please contact her direct.

Chess and Strategy Games - continues as per usual on Tuesday afternoon for all students.
Mr Malcolm Heather is the TIC (Week 2-7 Term 4) - Please contact him direct.

Pipes and Drums - continues as per usual.  Mr Sandy Dalziel is the Co-ordinator (Week 1-7 Term 4) Please contact him direct for new members.

Tennis Coaching - continues as per usual on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for students in Years 7-12.  Mrs Carmen O'Grady is the Co-ordinator (Week 1-7 Term 4, Commencing Thursday Week 1) Please contact her direct.

Cooking Club - Years 3-7 Students may only apply and numbers are limited so first in first served. The limit will be dependent on the ages of the applicants and relevant duty of care required. Mrs Mel Stephensen and Mrs Sharyn Bomford are co-ordinating, however, all nominations must go to Mr Bradbury please.

Arranmore Sport - Rookies to Reds Rugby on Tuesday afternoon for all JAM students.  All replies to Mr Tom Bradbury for collation and organisation.  This program runs in Term 4 during Week 2 through to Week 7.

 

Arranmore Sport - Aussie Hoops Basketball on Thursday afternoons for all JAM students. This is a user pays activity and all interested participants need to register via the Aussie Hoops website under SCOTS. This program runs for 8 weeks including Week 10 of Term 3 (commences this Thursday 19 September concludes Week 7 Term 4). Please let Mr Bradbury know if you are attending for supervision purposes.

 

SCOTS PGC Junior Touch – Commences week 2 of Term 4 on Friday afternoons for students aged 5-14. This is a user pays activity. Please go to the SCOTS Junior Touch Facebook Page for updates and register via the Try booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/548701

 

Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Mr Tom Bradbury for clarification.

 

Term 4 Swimming Training Program

The College Swimming Training Program will resume on Friday 11 October (Week 1, Term 4) at WIRAC and interested students are asked to register their intent to Mr Bradbury by the end of Term 3 via SEQTA message to assist with planning.

Training will continue throughout the term until Wednesday 27 November. Sessions will be conducted from 6.00am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, with transportation back to school for all participants. Boarders will be transported to the pool as required.

Students attending this training are advised this is squad training and not learn to swim sessions. All participating students must be able to complete a 100m Medley (25m Free, 25m Back, 25m Breast, 25m Fly) in under 3 minutes to participate in this squad.

Other students are encouraged to enrol with WIRAC for their learn to swim program before entering the College Swimming Training. The College offers junior swimming lessons in class time for learn to swim during Term 4.

All training in the College Swimming Training Program will be paid for by the College and therefore accurate attendance records need to be kept on each of the three days offered.

Please RSVP by COB today

 

Term 4 Cricket - Saturday Morning Competition

Warwick Junior Cricket commences in term 4 with the College intending to participate much the same as we did in Term 1 this year and similarly to our Netball Program.

Students in Years 6-12 (turning 12 years or older in 2019) are asked to express their intentions to play in College teams across the eligible age groups. We are hoping to create a number of teams where possible. These teams are open to both boys and girls and your intention to play should be directed to Mr Bradbury by Tuesday 8 October (first day of Term 4).

Students turning 11 years or younger are encouraged to nominate for the Under 11 competition which will see students spread across a variety of teams to participate in a developmental games format. Once again intentions to play should be directed to Mr Bradbury by Tuesday 8 October (first day of Term 4).

Please state your child's age in 2019 when replying to assist Mr Bradbury in grouping students. Training will be held on Wednesday afternoons commencing Wednesday 9 October (Week 1 Term 4) for all interested participants.

Year 12 students are welcome to play; however, we recommend they not pending their commitments beyond graduation as the season will go beyond this time.

All player registrations will be covered by the College, details of which will be distributed once we establish numbers.

Darling Downs 13-19 years Triathlon

The Darling Downs 13-19 years Triathlon team will compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Hervey Bay 20-22 February 2020. Students born 2007 may apply as they turn 13 years in 2020.

The selection trial for the Darling Downs team will take place on Sunday 10 November at the Toowoomba Triathlon Race at Oakey.

Students who wish to be considered for the team are to complete both steps below:

1) Complete the DD Regional Trial Permission form along with the 2020 Darling Downs Triathlon Team Nomination form and return both to the DD Sports office by Wednesday 6 November. These must be sent via Mr Bradbury.

2) Go online to the Toowoomba Tri Club website and nominate for the Oakey Triathlon on 10 November.

See Mr Bradbury for all details and the link to the website. All students must have their own bike and their own transport to and from these events. The College cannot transport students in this instance due to the equipment requirements but we will cover your nomination to the DD Trials.

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CWA International Country of the Year

Our boys and girls from Years 3 to 6 have spent time researching and exploring facts and features of the QCWA’s International Country of study, Lithuania.  During Library lessons throughout Term 2, students have explored the culture, collating their information into travel posters to entice tourists to visit Lithuania.

All entries were judged by the local Border District group with four entries moving onto the State judging panel.  We are very pleased to announce that Year 4 student, Cody Baker placed second in Queensland in the Year 4 section and Elle Amos received a highly commended award in the Year 6 section.

Congratulations to all students who entered the competition and thanks to the QCWA who have facilitated this contest for many years now.

We are eagerly awaiting the 2020 International country of study!

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Sew much Fun!

Mrs Heather Goonan | Knitting and Sewing

Throughout Term 2 and 3 our College knitters and stitchers have been very productive. From making handbags to knitting scarves we have spent our lunchtime in Room 10 happily working away, along with lots of chatting and learning.

Eliana has completed a handbag, with very little experience to start with she is now quite competent in a lot of the skills needed to complete more sewing projects.

Jayden has been busily working away to complete his rainbow scarf. His knitting skills have improved enormously along with the length of his scarf.

If anyone wants to join us please come along, you’ll find us in Room 10 each Thursday at lunchtime or contact Mrs Goonan on SEQTA or in person.

[caption id="attachment_5893" align="alignleft" width="225"] Eliana Amos - Year 6[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5894" align="alignright" width="225"] Jayden Blacket - Year 10[/caption]

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Twelve ways to be a more successful learner

Mr Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

“A man's mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr

Our Year 11 and 12 students are in the midst of exam blocks, applying what they have learnt in various ways.  But what do you really need to learn in life? How can you excel? What do successful learners do differently from others? What, in short, are the habits students need to develop to be better learners?

Over the last two decades the learning sciences have begun to provide some powerful answers to these questions.

Here are some suggestions, drawing on research, to help you identify the kinds of learning habits likely to help you succeed. Imagine a clock-face. Think of each of the twelve points of its face as we look at twelve key aspects of learning.

Recently we have begun to understand with greater clarity the kinds of learning habits or attributes which are particularly useful to individuals and to our wider society. Here are two lists, the first from an economic perspective (Nobel Laureate James Heckman and colleagues (2013) and the second through the eyes of educational researchers, Lesley Gutman and Ingrid Schoon (2013).

As you read the twelve suggestions that follow, think about how each might be contributing to one of these desirable learning habits above.

  1. Learning is for life

It’s all too easy to focus on school when thinking about learning. But, school days are just a small fraction of our lives. In the real world of home and work most of our learning will be interest-led, informal and social.

  1. Mistakes are useful

Through the pioneering work of Carol Dweck, we now know that if we see mistakes as our friends, as stepping stones along the way, we will do much better in life. Musicians, writers and engineers all make drafts or prototypes, each one better than its predecessor. That’s how it is with learning.

  1. Tenacity matters

A vital skill is tenacity. Persevering when others have given up and bouncing back from set-backs are the hallmarks of powerful learners. This is one of the key College values.

  1. Practise the hard parts

Getting better at anything requires effort. Thanks to a greater understanding about how expertise is developed from Anders Ericsson, we now know that certain kinds of practice work better than others. Sit at the piano and play over the pieces you know already may build fluency but it does not challenge us. Speeding it up, slowing it down, just playing the left hand – the hard bits – is what we need to do in music and in our learning.

  1. Emotions are important

You have probably heard of emotional intelligence. How we manage our feelings of struggle and how we read the emotions of those around us is of great importance in life and learning.  The College’s value of Respect is key to understanding our own emotions and those around us.

  1. Mind and body

It’s all too easy to assume that learning is about academic subjects. But, as Jacob Bronowski puts it, ‘the hand is the cutting edge of the mind.’ Mind and body are intimately linked. Whether it is our diet, the exercise we take or the muscle memory we acquire as we learn to write or type or ride a bicycle, hand and brain go together.  This is why SCOTS PGC College focuses on an holistic education, placing importance on co-curricular activities and pastoral care.

  1. Learning is a team sport

One of the greatest scientific enquiries underway at the moment is the international collaboration to investigate the so-called ‘God particle’, the Hadron Collider. It is proof, if such were needed, of the power of social learning. Being able to work in teams on complex enquiries is essential as a learner. It is a sad reflection of life in many schools that learning with others can all too easily be seen as cheating when, in the real world, it is one of the smartest things you can do.

  1. Be Creative

In 2021 PISA will test Creative Thinking for the first time. In itself, this is of only partial significance. But to school leaders and employers it says clearly that creativity – being curious, generating ideas, solving problems and so forth – is a large part of learning.

  1. Hang out with the best

When Lev Vygotsky came up with the idea of the zone of proximal development he was reminding us that we make most progress when we are with people who are much better than us. Smart learners seek out experts whenever they can to ensure that they are constantly challenged and mentored.  We aim to encourage all our students to aim for Excellence in everything they do.

  1. Know where you are

Unless you are able to reflect on how you are doing, learning is a bit like driving a golf-ball off a tee while wearing a blind-fold! Having an accurate sense of how you are progressing is essential. Great learners are always asking for feedback to help them establish this.

  1. Set challenging goals

Simply wanting something is not enough. It has often been said that a wish is a goal without a plan of action. Whether at school or at work, setting challenging and specific goals will help to keep you on track.

  1. Look for transfer

If only we could learn something at home and then be able to do it at school; master something in the Maths class and be able to apply it in Geography! Transfer is the Holy Grail of teaching. And we are just beginning to understand its mechanisms. We know, for example, that a transfer is helped if, when you first learn something, you think where else you might use it.  Moving forward we are aiming to bring this more into the classroom, especially within the STEM subject.

Becoming a powerful learner has its own disciplines, just as any set of skills does. Here are twelve suggestions, one for every hour of the day. Whether you are a student, teacher, parent or all three, why not try out one of them?

 

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Community Notices

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Tartan Order Forms

If you are yet to order your copy of the 2019 Tartan Yearbook, please come into Reception or return the order form below to Mrs Cartmill before the end of Term 4.

PDF Version - Tartan 2019 - Order Form

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SCOTS 1 defeat Strikers in the Grand Finals!

Estie Wiid | Netball Coach

The end of the netball season resulted in great triumph and victory for our Open Netball team ‘SCOTS 1’, last Monday night in front of a packed out crowd at WIRAC.

Fans witnessed an extremely close match between two teams who fought tirelessly throughout the entire game. Both sides battled hard in all quarters, each giving 100% to make crucial turnovers.  At the end of the fourth quarter the scores were tied, invoking a further 10 minutes to the game to force a result.

The extra time tested the skills and nerves of our girls, however they responded well under pressure right until the final buzzer.   In unison with our band of loyal supporters, our SCOTS 1 girls worked together to the dying seconds of the match to transfer the ball into the goal circle and secure a thrilling five-point victory over Strikers. A well-deserved win, which demonstrated the determination of every player on the court.

As the saying goes ‘the harder the battle the sweeter the victory’ -  we couldn’t be more proud of the effort and tenacity shown by the team.

Thank you to our loyal parents, supporters and fans for your ongoing encouragement and support on the sideline – you all certainly pushed the girls to do their very best.

Special thanks must also go to the coach, Tiffany Cullen, who worked with the girls during countless early morning training sessions, to reach their full potential.

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Get Moving

Mr Tom Bradbury - Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

T3W10 Co-curricular Programme

T3W10 Sport Fixtures

Here in Australia we love to think we are a sporting nation, however, the statistics are such that really we are a nation of sport watchers who often feel like we are fitter for being around sporting people.

The reality of life is that we are getting busier and the conveniences of modern technology are causing us to be less active than we should be.

The Australian Health Survey (2016) provided several key findings that were alarming for all Australians. The following are the key points as published on ACHPER Victoria's website and the Australian Bureau of statistics.

In Children and young adolescents, the following were found to be true...

In 2011-12, toddlers and pre-schoolers (aged 2–4 years) spent an average of around 6 hours per day engaged in physical activity. They also spent almost one and a half hours (83 minutes) in the sedentary activities of watching TV, DVDs or playing electronic games.

On average, children and young people aged 5–17 years spent one and a half hours (91 minutes) per day on physical activity and over two hours a day (136 minutes) in screen-based activity with physical activity decreasing and screen-based activity increasing as age increased.

Just under half (44%) of all children and young people (2–17 years) had at least one type of screen-based item (e.g. TV, computer, or game console) in their bedroom. For the 15–17 year olds, three-quarters had some kind of screen-based media in their bedroom and this was associated with them spending an extra two hours per week watching/playing screen-based media compared with those who did not have any such item in their bedroom.

The children and young people who participated in the pedometer study, recorded an average of 9,140 steps per day. Children aged 5–8 and 9–11 years were most likely to reach 12,000 steps per day (22% and 24% respectively), while 15–17 year olds were least likely to (7%).

In Adults, the following was found to be true...

In 2011-12, adults spent an average of just over 30 minutes per day doing physical activity. However, against the National Physical Activity Guidelines for adults ‘to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days’, only 43% of adults actually met the ‘sufficiently active’ threshold.

The highest levels of physical activity were among the young adults with 53% of 18–24 year olds being classed as sufficiently active. Levels of physical activity tended to decline in older ages, with the lowest being among people aged 75 years and over, where the average time spent in physical activity was 20 minutes per day, and just one in four this age were classified as sufficiently active against the guidelines.

Levels of sufficient physical activity were associated with a range of factors:

  • Relative socioeconomic disadvantage: Adults in the least disadvantaged quintile were 1.5 times more likely to have done sufficient physical activity compared with those in the most disadvantaged quintile.
  • Health status: Adults who described their health as "excellent" were over twice as likely to have done sufficient physical activity compared with people with "poor" self-assessed health.
  • Body mass index (BMI): The underweight/normal weight population were 1.4 times more likely to have done sufficient physical activity compared with the obese population.
  • Smoking status: ex–smokers and people who never smoked were 1.2 times more likely to have done sufficient physical activity compared with current smokers.
  • Sedentary activity occupied an average 39 hours per week for adults, with close to 10 hours of this sitting at work. People employed in more sedentary occupations such as clerical and administrative workers spent on average 22 hours a week sitting for work.
  • Watching TV was the most prevalent sedentary activity, at nearly 13 hours a week, peaking at over 19 hours per week on average for people aged 75 and over. Using the computer or Internet (for non-work purposes) peaked at almost 9 hours per week for 18–24 year olds.
  • The adults who participated in the pedometer study, recorded an average of 7,400 steps per day. Less than one in five adults (19%) recorded 10,000 steps per day on average.

The United Kingdom's Chief Medical Officer has also found that these factors are reducing the physical activity of our next generation and have developed the following infographic with guidelines regarding physical activity and these would certainly also hold true for our own society.

Here in Australia our climate and abundant opportunities for outdoor pursuits have in the past kept us in a fairly healthy space in terms of physical activity; however, just like any other modern and developed country we have fallen for the conveniences of our modern world and neglected our long term health.

My advice as an educator of some 25 plus years is simple...

  • Eat and drink a variety of healthy foods whenever you can, and eat the treats in moderation.
  • Move regularly to get that heart pumping – we need to exercise that heart muscle
  • Spread your activity throughout the day
  • Get away from your devices and televisions and take in the ‘real world’.

Now, this is easy for me to say and those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. I know myself I need to exercise more, especially when I spend so much time sitting as I am now, at a computer typing away. So in giving the above advice, I also recommend starting simply with a walk, bike ride, swim or run for even just 10 minutes a day – this will have a positive effect on your long term health. The important thing is that you are starting to form a habit which can lead to even better habits of mind and body.

In stating all of the above, as adults, (parents and teachers) we have a very important role to play in developing healthy habits in our children. if you have ever heard the saying, 'Monkey see, Monkey do!', you will appreciate that our children's habits are often a reflection of our own on a daily basis. Take the opportunity get out and about in the yard with your children - it will be time well spent!

 

 

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Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher interviews will be available for all Year levels from Prep to Year 12 over two sessions this term:

  • Thursday 19th September | 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm
  • Friday 20th September | 1.00pm to 3.00 pm

All Prep to Year 5 interviews will be held in the classrooms, while Year 6 to Year 12 interviews will be held in the WALEC.

Bookings will be available via the link on our web page - http://scotspgc.com.au/

 

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Reds Rugby – Holiday Clinics

Reds Rugby are facilitating a range of core skills clinics throughout the holidays.  This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build on the skills they have learned throughout the term or to get started in a new activity.

Register now for one or more of the following clinics:

  1. Queensland Reds Core Skills Holiday Clinic – Warwick

WHEN: Wednesday October 2nd, 10am - 3pm

WHERE: Scots PGC College, Warwick

WHO: Boys and Girls U6s through to U12s

PURPOSE: Skills, Drills & Games designed to develop player core skill levels! Skill challenges and prizes through-out the day!

COST: $60
REGISTRATION LINK: https://memberdesq.onesporttechnology.com/1931

 

  1.     Queensland Reds Girls Only 7s Clinic - Toowoomba

WHEN: Friday October 4th, 10am – 1.30pm

WHERE: Heritage Oval, Toowoomba Bears Rugby Club

WHO: Girls Aged 8 - 13

PURPOSE: A welcoming environment for players of all experience and skill levels to develop their core skills, with a specific focus on Rugby 7s!

COST: $40
REGISTRATION LINK: https://memberdesq.onesporttechnology.com/2559

 

  1.    U8/9 Tackle Clinic - Toowoomba

WHEN: Saturday October 5th, 10am – 12pm

WHERE: Gold Park (Top Oval)

WHO: Boys and Girls aged 7 - 9

PURPOSE: Will your child be new to contact rugby next season? Be contact ready. Focus on safety and technique!

COST: $40

REGISTRATION LINK: https://memberdesq.onesporttechnology.com/4016

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Edwooducation – Holiday Activities

Are you looking for something fun and interesting to do these school holidays?

Great news!  SCOTS PGC is hosting the E.P.I.K School Holiday Programme which will run on 24 and 25 September over the holiday break.  Run by EDwoodUCATION, the programme will include a great number of activities that cater to the active as well as the contemplative students.  Your students will enjoy the following program of activities:

* Construction challenges for the engineers of tomorrow
* Skills-based tennis games and drills for our future tennis stars
* Robotics with Bee-Bot challenges, Sphero programming and LEGO EV3
* Boardgames to enhance strategic thinking (e.g. chess, Settlers of Catan)
* Crazy Science experiments to engage the inquisitive minds.

EDwoodUCATION is a Toowoomba-based educational initiative founded and directed by Ted Carter.  Ted is a fully qualified teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. His holiday programmes are fun, engaging and well enjoyed by the students that participate.

To register for the programme, please visit the website here

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The Power of Words

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

‘Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity’.  (1 Timothy 4:12)

By my very rough calculations, after nearly 5 years at SCOTS PGC, I reckon to have written around 40 articles for the front page of the Newsletter.  I am able to say without a shadow of a doubt or the slightest hesitation, however, that I have never before opened with (i) a quote from the Bible and, contemporaneously (ii) a quote directly lifted from a Prefect application form, written by a current Year 11 student!

Having read, and re-read a truly remarkable and quite unforgettable 800 or 900 words from this gifted author, I am still somewhat lost for my own words, such is the intensity, the humility and the passion expressed by this student.

With these weeks really being the beginning of the end for Year 12 students (QCS examinations now behind us and plans afoot for ever more innovative and imaginative ways to celebrate and commemorate their leaving of our comfortable, familiar fold) my focus here was bound to be these first steps in the formal, ‘changing of the guard’, as one cohort contemplates life after school, and their successors gaze eagerly at the myriad opportunities left in the wake of the impending departures.

One of the questions we ask of candidates for Prefect is, ‘What qualities do you feel you have that would make you a good Prefect?’

What parent wouldn’t be thrilled, and beyond proud to read the following as a response:

‘I work really hard at home, work and school, and in anything I do.  I strongly believe that putting love into anything you do is an important factor in life.

I believe I am a good role because I know how to look after people.  I give it my all when I contribute in activities even if I am not very good.  I believe as a leader you should always act as if your mother is watching you.

Younger people often mirror what you are doing, so I think it is vital to act appropriately at all times’.

And as if that wasn’t sufficient respect for parents and evidence of awareness that even young adults influence their still younger counterparts, check out the answer to the next question, which was, ‘What leadership and/or teamwork have you shown outside College life?’

‘Outside of school I have a job at ......., involving managing clients, sales, cleaning up sheds, handling money and being empathetic towards people suffering the hardships of the drought at this present time.  At home my parents are often busy with chores, and their work, so my brother and I are responsible for feeding cattle, horses and dogs.  It is really hard work, but we love it.  I believe this shows leadership because I help others to get things done, rather than leaving other people to do things for me’.

It would have been difficult to create a better impression of a young person of remarkable depth and quality, but wait, there was more to come, in her answer to the final question, ‘If you were successful in this application, what would you most like to achieve as a Prefect?’

‘We should show more appreciation for our teachers, parents and all the staff members in our school.  We are all part of a community and here for the same purpose.  I believe we should recognise what people do for us, for example have a week where we give flowers or another type of gift to any of the adults we appreciate.  This shouldn’t just be limited to students giving gifts to teachers, but also teachers giving gifts to other teachers, or parents to teachers.  Perhaps write a note, or even make a video?  I would like to make people feel appreciated’.

And to then round everything off with the most apposite quote from the scriptures that I could ever imagine; forgive me for repeating it here:

‘Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity’.  (1 Timothy 4:12)

How lucky are we to have a new student with this character and these values, plus the enviable ability to communicate them to others.

It is a privileged role to journey alongside young people as they seek to find their place in an ever-changing world; with challenges and rewards, disasters and triumphs, heartaches and joy.  How reassuring to know, as we have been assured by this student not yet 17 years of age, that we are truly and sincerely appreciated.

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Chaplain’s Message

Rev Willie Liebenberg | College Chaplain

It seems that when we have a difficult task to accomplish, there are always various obstacles getting in our way.  However, when we are living the adventurous life of faith, those obstacles are not just roadblocks, but they are opportunities.  Let me tell you a story:  One day a farmer's donkey fell into a well.  The donkey cried for hours and hours while the poor farmer tried to figure out what to do.  Finally, after he had exhausted every idea he could think of, the farmer decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway.  As much as he liked the donkey, he decided burying the donkey was a good option.  He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him.  They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.  When the donkey realised what was happening, he cried horribly.  You can imagine that it would have been a terrifying moment for any animal to have shovels of dirt thrown on top of it.  And then, to everyone's amazement, the donkey quietened down.  The farmer and his neighbours continued to shovel dirt into the well thinking the donkey had succumbed to his fate.  However, when the farmer looked down the well, he was astonished at what he saw.  As every shovel of dirt hit the donkeys back, the donkey did something amazing.  He would shake it off and step on it.  Each shovel load of dirt brought the donkey closer and closer to the top of the well.  After a while, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!  The moral of the story?  Life is going to shovel dirt on you — all kinds of dirt.  But the trick to get out of a hole is to shake the dirt off and use it to make your way out of a bad situation instead of letting it bury you alive.  Each of our troubles can be a stepping stone if you will let it be.  Even the deepest of holes (troubles) can serve as stepping stones if we just keep going and refuse to give up.  But do you know what we do when we are facing obstacles?

  • Sometimes we run backwards—away from them.
  • Sometimes we try to go around them.
  • Sometimes we try to get over them on our own.

But the challenge of a faith adventure is to BELIEVE God will help us through our obstacles, and we understand that he often uses those obstacles to make us better people.  I know another story.  This happens when we lose sight of faith.  When we focus on the obstacle instead of our faith, we might fail.

  • Matthew 14: 22 – 33 (Please read this in the Bible).

Here is something we can learn from Peter: Don’t act impulsively.  Sometimes obstacles come to us, but sometimes we construct the obstacles from our own poor choices and actions.  Either way, the lesson we need to learn is not to be impulsive.  Some of you might be a lot like Peter in this story.  You continuously find yourself facing obstacles and difficult situations because you make quick decisions without thinking.  Now back to Peter and the story.  It must have been great stepping out onto that water!  I mean, imagine what it would have been like to step out of a boat and walk on water.  But then reality set in and Peter loses faith.  He stops believing.  He gets scared, and he starts to sink.  But as he sinks into the murky Sea of Galilee he cries out for the Lord to save him . . . And Jesus does.  Sinking into the dark and murky Sea of Galilee?  Now that’s an obstacle.  It’s also an excellent metaphor for obstacles in our life.  Two ways to react when things block our path:

  • It’s one thing to have the faith that God will be there for us in our time of need — but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t slow down and think before we act.
  • The second lesson is the act of simply believing — absolute confidence in Jesus.

What a great story!  It reminds us that we were made for adventure.  It also reminds us that with faith, we can do the seemingly impossible.  It reminds us that Jesus has an adventure story for each one of you.  Don’t let the dirt and deep water overwhelm you but reach out to Jesus.

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Grandparents Day

Friday 30 August was a special day for our Junior and Middle School students as they were able to share their school with their Grandparents and special visitors. The students were wonderful ambassadors for the College, taking great pride in showing their grandparents and friends around their school and sharing their learning with them.

The morning began with our Pipes and Drums Band welcoming our visitors to the College. This was followed by a thoroughly enjoyable concert in the Assembly Hall where students presented items to the audience. There where choral performances, poem recitals, an act by JAM Dance, presentations by our instrumental music groups and also a version of the famous story 'Wombat Stew' presented by our youngest Prep students.

Following the concert, our visitors shared morning tea with the students. It was lovely to look across the Junior and Middle Schools and see our students acting as hosts, chatting to their visitors and enjoying the special time together.

 

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Wrap Up of Darling Downs Super Schools Cup

Jonny Winter | Rugby Captain

This year SCOTS PGC entered the Darling Downs Super Schools Cup. This competition aimed to provide a greater participation opportunity for teenage rugby players on the Downs targeting non-traditional rugby schools, to compete in a 15-a-side competition. SCOTS entered three teams; Year 7/8, Year 9/10 and the Year 11/12 boys, all three teams have been successful playing quality rugby to reach the grand finals in the inaugural Darling Downs Super Schools Cup.

For the grand finals, played on Wednesday night at Highfields the Year 7/8 team played off against a combined team of Toowoomba Anglican School/Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Year 9/10 team played off against Our Lady of the Southern Cross and the Year 11/12 team played against Faith Lutheran College.

Wednesday night rugby was hard fought, however all three SCOTS teams were defeated. The results might not have all gone our way, however the results certainly cements SCOTS rugby footprint in the Darling Downs Super Schools Cup, which I hope will continue in the years to come.

 

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Open Netballers Claim Victory

Estie Wiid | Netball Co-ordinator

Congratulations to the SCOTS Open Team who won the Semi-Finals, against their old rivalries STRIKERS. The OPENS are now through to the Preliminary Finals on the 9 September.

STRIKERS did not have a chance against the brutal defence of Rosemary McDonald who was always on the front foot, securing multiple turnovers for her team.

Both the defence and attack players performed consistently well and put a hundred percent effort when on court.

In midcourt, all girls played an aggressive game to get possession of the ball, and Amelia Meek (Captain), together with her trusted shooters (Holly and Harriet) did not disappoint when shooting and did a fantastic job, adding scores for SCOTS on the score board.

The girls will play in the finals this Monday at 7:30pm at WIRAC and have a very good chance to walk away as the winners, bring a friend and support our girls from the side line.

OPENS: Coach Tiffany Cullen, Amelia Meek (Captain), Harriet Curtain, Holly Naughten, Chloe O’Halloran, Domi Harvey, Emily Rhodes, Leilani Myer, Rose Dearden, Rosemary McDonald, Aysha Bowley and Siobhan McEvoy.

[caption id="attachment_5842" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Rosemary McDonald in defence taking another brilliant turnover for her team.[/caption]

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SCOTS Host Southern Downs Youth Council Meeting

Main Image: Student members of the Southern Downs Youth Council with the Mayor, Tracy Dobie

The meeting held at the Bandy Theatre started off with a quick and fun tour lead by Mr Thompson. The student members were most impressed with the Dining Hall and thought it is a great place to gather and have lunch together.

During the SDYC meeting Holly proposed to introduce a way to form stronger connections between our regions High Schools and Primary schools and discussed ideas with other members of the SDYC to build strong bonds between older students and younger students in the community.

Other matters on the agenda ranged from Aged Care Facilities, ideas to attract tourism and youth and sustainable practices to combat climate change. Students also participated in the drought update and available support and the devastating impact the current drought is having on our region and community.

Each student also received a shower timer which are designed to reduce consumption of water through awareness of the length of showers. The shower timers are free and available at Southern Downs Regional Council.

The next Youth Council meeting will be held on 17 October 2019.

[caption id="attachment_5847" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Holly Naughten holding a shower timer.[/caption]

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Community Notices

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Co-curricular Update

Darling Downs Cricket

Last Sunday and Monday Samuel Bourke In Year 7 represented the College and the Southern Downs at the Darling Downs 12yrs Cricket Trials in Toowoomba. I am very excited and happy to advise that Samuel performed so well across the skills sessions and in the City v Country match that he has been selected in the Darling Downs Team to contest the State Championship early next term. We wish Samuel all the very best at the State Championships.

 

Queensland Track and Field Team

After a very successful Queensland Championship held recently in Brisbane the College would like to congratulate Hayley Wainwright and Nicholas Denny on their selection in the Queensland 10-12yrs Track and Field Team to contest the National Championships in Darwin in the coming weeks. The pair head into camp at UQ for two days before winging their way to Darwin for the big dance. We look forward to hearing of their results and sharing cherished memories of their exploits on their return. Go Team SCOTS!!!!

 

Cooking Club

Cooking Club returns in Term 4 and will be held on Tuesday afternoons. Expressions of interest are now being accepted by Mr Bradbury via SEQTA and will close at the end of week 1 Term 4. The Cooking Club will run from Week 2-7 inclusive and all ages from Year 5-12 are welcome.

 

Darling Downs 13-19yrs Athletics Championships

To wrap up the final day's events at the Darling Downs 13-19yrs Track and Field, SCOTS students turned out in force to show what our little school is made of with several students making finals across the many track events on the program.

The highlights are as below:

Ewan McFarland - 1st 3000m, 2nd 1500m, 4th 800m

Eliana Jones - 3rd 3000m, 4th 1500m

Mackenzie Mayall - 2nd 400m, 3rd 800m

Shona McFarland - 2nd 400m

Harry Mayall - 4th 200m

Kaysan Miles - 4th Hurdles

Caitlin Skaines - 1st 400m

The following athletes also made finals and finished top 8 in their respective track events and are to be congratulated on their fine performances....

Chloe Wainwright, Samuel Wainwright, Cooper Harm, Millie Groves, Cooper Seng, Geoffrey Warren, Kaysan Miles, Cooper Seng, Caitlin Skaines, Shona McFarland and Georgia Moody.

These track stars followed our Field event prodigies from Thursday whose top 4 results were as follows.....

William Gilmore - 1st Hammer, 3rd Discus

Kira Holmes - 1st Discus, 2nd Shot Put, 1st in Javelin

Cooper Seng - 2nd Discus, 4th Shot Put

Bradley Cook - 4th Long Jump

Caitlin Skaines - 2nd Triple Jump

All in all a pretty fair effort from the SCOTS PGC Athletics Team.

As a result of their performances the following students have been selected to represent the Darling Downs Region at the State Championships in Cairns from October 19-22.....

William Gilmore, Caitlin Skaines, Cooper Seng, Kira Holmes and Mackenzie Mayall

We wish each of these students the very best at this prestigious event should they choose to accept their invitation to attend.

[caption id="attachment_5858" align="alignleft" width="200"] Cooper Seng[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5860" align="alignright" width="200"] Will Gilmore[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5861" align="alignleft" width="200"] Shona McFarland[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5856" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kaysan Miles and Makybe Edwards[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rookies to Reds Rugby Skills Sessions

In term 4 we are hoping to run a Rookies to Reds Rugby Union Program for Year 1- 6 students held on Tuesday afternoons on Briggs. The program works on basic skills for the game in a fun-filled games based manner.

Expressions of interest can be forwarded to Mr Bradbury via SEQTA. This will proceed pending numbers and funding from Sporting Schools. Please forward your child's name for this by the end of Term 3 please. We will commence Week 2 and go for 6 weeks, concluding in Week 7 of Term 4. More details in coming weeks.

 

SCOTS Junior Touch Competition - To Register click this link  https://www.trybooking.com/548701

The SCOTS Junior Touch Competition will run again in Term 4 this year.

The competition will commence Week 2 with 5 weeks of round robin fixtures followed by finals play-offs for all teams in Week 7. Skills and games will be held each week for the U6 and U8 Teams whilst U10, 12, and 14 Divisions will vie for the prize of champion in each Division.

Registrations are now live on the SCOTS Junior Touch Facebook page (or by clicking on the link above) and will remain open until the end of Week 1 Term 4, so get in quick.

Our SCOTS Touch players will be offering coaching and refereeing games each week and this is a great community event for all ages.

 

Aussie Hoops Basketball Programme

This past week the College had a visit from Pop Dickerson from Aussie Hoops promoting basketball in our school. Commencing Week 10 of Term 3 and proceeding from Week 1 to Week 7 in Term 4 we are offering the Aussie Hoops program here at school. The program will run Thursday from 3.15 to 4.15 on the WALEC Courts.

Please see the attached flyer for details. Registrations are through Aussie Hoops website and the cost is $95  or $65 for coaching only, which includes water-bottle, reversible players singlet and other goodies along with the expert coaching from Pop himself. To sweeten the deal if students love it so much they can jump in the car with parents and head down to the WIRAC to participate in their hour long program for free after finishing here.

 


                        
    




    











                
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The Joy of Reading

Amy Woodgate | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

“We need to actually teach kids that books aren’t like broccoli.  No adult ever read a book because it’s good for us.  We read because it’s fun.”

Jackie French (Australian Author)

Literacy is much more than writing a story, sending an email or increasing a child’s reading age.  It is the ability to engage in the world, both inside and outside of the classroom, both now and into the future.  Literacy is a fundamental skill for learning across all subject areas.

Providing children with a language-rich environment at home and at school is an important way of supporting their literacy development.  A language-rich environment exposes a child to a variety of words, texts and images for reading, writing, listening and creating.  They are able to hear and use interesting vocabulary, explore information, and experiment with ways of making meaning and sharing ideas.  Playing with words, hearing words like ‘spectacular’, ‘ginormous’, ‘radiant’ and ‘enticing’, even at a very young age, teaches children that language can be fun and that they can understand the meaning of words that they may not yet be able to actually decode or write.

Reading is a thinking task.  Effective readers do more than simply decode the words in a text.  Effective readers think about what they have read, and they know how to use their prior knowledge to access, understand, use and evaluate a text.  Good readers are flexible in how they approach a text and know that each reading task may have a different purpose.  They may read for pleasure or they may read to gather information.  They may read a text designed to persuade, or they may be asked to read a text that requires a response.  Good readers read for understanding, for information and for enjoyment.

Mem Fox is passionate about books and our children developing a love of reading.  In her text, ‘Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud To Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever’, Mem explains that she wants reading aloud to a child ‘to sound like chocolate’.  It should be enjoyable for everyone involved.  It can be a time to play with language, to discuss themes from the story, to look at letters, sounds and rhyme, and a time to just simply enjoy delightful storytelling.

Mem Fox has developed her ‘Ten Read Aloud Commandments’ as a way to encourage children, families and teachers to develop a love for reading.

  • Spend at least ten wildly happy minutes every single day reading aloud
  • Read at least three stories a day
  • Read aloud with animation
  • Read with joy and enjoyment
  • Read the stories that your child loves over and over and over again
  • Let children hear lots of language
  • Look for rhyme, repetition, and rhythm in books
  • Play games with the things that appear on the page… it isn’t work, it’s always a fabulous game
  • Never teach reading or get tense around books
  • Read aloud because you adore being with your child, not just because it is ‘the right thing to do’

Last week, SCOTS PGC College celebrated Book Week 2019.  The theme for this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week was ‘Reading is my secret power’.  The aim of this week is to celebrate Australian children’s literature and bring children and books together.  At SCOTS PGC College, our students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the book character parade.  We saw everything from Olga the Brolga to Mary Poppins to Harry Potter.  There were superheroes, kings, queens, princesses, book fairies and everything in between.  It was certainly a celebration of books!

The inaugural Book Week Family Night initiated by Mrs Peterson was also a wonderful way to come together as a school community, share a meal, and most importantly, share a book.  It was lovely to see some of our staff, our School Captains and Senior Prefects also come along and share their love of reading with our younger students.

Happy Reading!

 

 

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Aspire to Health Day

Main Image: Charlotte Jarvis, Erin Fearby, Caitlin Fogarty and Sofia Marosi

Last week four Year 10 students had the opportunity to be part of the annual Aspire to Health Day that was held at the Warwick Hospital.

The Aspire to Health program, which was run jointly by Qld Rural Medical Education Ltd, Department of Education, Small Business and Training, Griffith University, USQ and The University of Qld, invited high school students from the region to tour the hospital and participate in simulated clinical learning.

During the day the students had the opportunity to speak with university students and a range of practising health professionals in areas such as Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Paramedicine, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Dietician and Allied Health workers about their careers choice and pathways to medicine.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, especially when the students were able to take part in the clinical scenarios where they were able to take part in practical session to learn about CPR, Suturing, Plastering and Allied Health skills.

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Continued success for College Humanities students

Mr Michael Keevers | Head of Humanities

Following the success in the Australian Geography Competition, Years 9 and 10 Humanities students have polled exceptionally well in the recent Australian History Competition. The competition is sponsored by the History Teachers Association of Australia, testing students' historical knowledge and skills across a variety of topics linked to the National Curriculum.

Our students have produced some excellent results, continuing to showcase the growing interest towards the study of History. The results of the recent Competition are shown below:

Merit Credit Distinction
Clay Armstrong Kirra-Louise Kuhn Jayden Blacket
Liam Creed Niamh Fender William Gilmore
Charlotte Jarvis Gerard Mitchell Dhanyil Jackson
Michael Keogh Jack Roser Lucy Jackson
Samantha McKechnie Madison Kane Ewan McFarland
Shona McFarland Natasha Paganin
Brandan Waters Elliot Plummer
Matilda Bryant Felicity Sellick
Julianna Cox Eliana Jones
Charlotte Ellis Lily Kruger
Chloe Paganin
Erin Keogh Harriet Plummer
Alexandra Marchand
Kate McCarthy
Nic McGahan
Kaysan Miles
Chloe Wainwright

Congratulations to these students and a thank you to their teachers. They will receive their certificates at our next assembly.

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Building Business

Mrs Louise Ratcliffe | Business Teacher

As our attention turned to Operations Management this week in Senior Business, Year 11 students engaged in “Operation Build”.

In an activity that tested their resource management skills, students were given an allocation of raw materials (including marshmallows, spaghetti and sticky tape) and were tasked with building a small scale “structure” that would keep out the elements.

On completion, the structures were rated on their use of the allocated resources (efficiency) and how well the structure met the task objectives (effectiveness).

Then the CEO (AKA Mrs Ratcliffe) dropped in with a surprise announcement that costs had to be cut by 20%.  Students then had to rationalise their materials without compromising the integrity of the structure; they achieved this with varying levels of success!

 

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Year 3 & 4 are Happy Campers

Student Reflections

Last Thursday, Years 3 and 4 were very excited to attend their annual two-day camp at Camp Laurence, Lake Moogerah. Mrs Brown, Mrs Bourke and our 2 gap students, Jeremy and Scott accompanied our Junior School classes. Here is a collection of reflections written by our students:

Camp was absolutely excellent! It was so fun – we did mountain bike riding, high ropes, low ropes and a lot more. I would really love to go to Camp Laurence again. - Tia Stewart

 

What did I like about Camp? The food at camp was very yummy. After dinner, we had icecream which was yummier than dinner. Then, Mrs Brown could read everyone’s mind which was very fun and interesting! - Will Collins

 

What I liked about camp was the food, how nicely the camp instructors talked to us and all of the activities that they had.  Camp Laurence was better than all of the camps I have been on.  I had so much fun with my friends, especially on the Flying Possum. - Hayley Wainwright

 

The activities were a lot of fun.  I liked the food a lot.  It was really nice and tasty.  I loved the mountain bikes.  They were a lot of fun.  I loved the view on the Gorge walk. - By Thomas Crawford

I loved Camp Laurence.  The food was delicious.  My favourite activity was the Problem Solving and Flying Possum. On our walk to the gorge, we saw huge termite hills. - Abigail

 

My favourite part of Camp Laurence was going for the walk in the morning.  On the way we saw a lot of little clam shells and a dead turtle but Mrs Brown said to put them down.  It was a fantastic walk and we saw a beautiful sunrise. - Timothy

 

I loved camp at night.  I heard a possum on the roof and it was scary.  I was glad that we got to be a possum on the activity Flying Possum.  - Lillian

 

I loved Camp Laurence.  It was astounding and the food was delicious, especially dinner and dessert.  The beds were not as comfortable as my bed at home but they were fine to sleep in for one night. - Piper

 

 

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Community Notices

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

We were very fortunate to welcome campdrafting legends Kim and Jess Sammon for a campdraft clinic last weekend at the Tannymorel grounds.  We had a great turn out and all who attended had a lot of fun whilst learning a lot of new skills.

Over the coming weekends we have riders preparing to attend various competitions which include WestMAC show jumping and the North Star show jumping classic. All riders are keeping busy and enjoying everything Term 3 has to offer.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

[caption id="attachment_5808" align="alignleft" width="164"] Samuel Bourke (Year 7)[/caption]

Hockey Success

Congratulations to Year 7 student Samuel Bourke who represented his state and school at the National Hockey Championships in Bendigo last week.  The team secured a bronze medal in a tight contest where WA and NSW tied for first and QLD and SA shared third place.  This is a fantastic effort – well done Sam!

T20 Cricket Competition

Years 5 and 6 are invited to be a part of the Southern Downs T20 Cricket Gala on 18 September and the expressions of interest are coming in thick and fast. Students and parents have until Monday 3 September to submit their nomination to Mr Bradbury.

 

Broncos Cup Sports Day

Several students from Years 5, 6 and 7 participated in the Broncos Cup Sports Day last Friday with mixed results. The Hockey team finished third behind Warwick West and St Mary's. In the Soccer all students performed exceptionally well claiming second overall for the day.

Our SCOTS Rugby League Team joined forces with other individual students to form the ‘SCOTS Barbarians’ and went on to finish third with two wins from their four matches. Ryan Bohm had a great day out being named Player of the Day and the boys all played with great spirit.

Finally, our Netballers played extremely well as a team, progressively showing greater confidence and ball skills with each game they played. They played a total of nine games and narrowly missed out on taking part in the final play off, which was won by Yangan. All girls were wonderful representatives for the College, displaying outstanding behaviour and sportsmanship over the course of the day. Well done girls!

Warwick All Schools Athletics

Last Thursday we hosted the 98th edition of the Warwick All Schools Athletics and the home ground advantage was certainly felt by our athletes.

After his very successful State Championships local champ Nick Denny rewrote the history books for several of the 12 years records as seen below. Riley Wainwright chimed in to pinch the 400m record previously held by his big brother, Sam Wainwright. All track records were hard to come by in the terribly windy conditions but that makes these records all that more special.

12 years Boys Long Jump Nick Denny (SPGC) 4.83m

12 years Boys 100m Nick Denny (SPGC) 12.6s

12 years Boys 200m Nick Denny (SPGC) 27.1s

12 years Boys 400m Riley Wainwright (SPGC) 1:14.6s

12 years Boys Shot Put Nick Denny (SPGC) 10.32m

In the race for the Age Championships, our students figured very highly gaining the following placings and points which set us up for further success in the wider team categories.

12 years ‐ Champion Nick Denny (60 Points) and Clarina De Jager ‐ 49 Points

12 years - Runner Up Riley Wainwright (36 Points) and both Briana Groves and Phoebe Sellick (44 Points)

13 years ‐ Champion Sam Wainwright (75 Points)

13 years - Runner Up Harry Mayall (30 Points)

15 years - Champion Cooper Seng (51 Points)

16 years - Runner Up Will Gilmore (42 Points) and Shona McFarland (51 Points)

17 years ‐ Champion Caitlin Skaines (64 Points)

17 years - Runner Up (Joint) Bradley Cook, and Samuel Proudlove (36 Points) and Amelia Meek (53 Points)

In the trophy stakes our Junior Girls dominated with a win in the Montrose Cup and received second in the Junior Girls Relay trophy. The Junior Boys also won the Appel Challenge Trophy aggregate and the relays on the back of solid performances across all age groups. In the Seniors, the girls finished second and the Senior Boys won in their respective aggregate categories and finished second and third in the respective relay categories.

Our small but dedicated band of athletes demonstrated great team spirit once again picking up extra events when needed and demonstrating excellent courage and tenacity in many cases. I could not ask for a better bunch of students to work with and these are among the best.

Congratulations to all on your efforts and conduct as students and representatives of our fine college.

 

Darling Downs 13-19yrs Athletics

[caption id="attachment_5809" align="alignleft" width="114"] William Gilmore (Year 10)[/caption]

Day 1 of the Darling Downs 13-19 years Athletics Trials saw Will Gilmore take the chocolates in the Hammer defeating all-comers and all ages in a dominant display. On the track Ewan McFarland and Eliana Jones flew the flag for us high in the 3000m. Both achieved personal best performances gaining 4th (1st 16yrs) and 8th (3rd 14yrs) respectively. Both were the youngest in their age group and get another bite of the cherry next year.

 

 

Day 2 saw 14 of our students attempt the Field Event Trials with various success stories amongst the performances. The best of these were Kira Holmes - 1st in Javelin, 1st in Discus and 2nd in Shot Put. Will Gilmore added to his Hammer gold with 3rd in the Discus. Caitlin Skaines pulled a silver in the Triple Jump and Cooper Seng also grabbed silver in the Discus. Many students scored personal best performances but were just off the pace for medals including Millie Groves in Shot Put, Cooper Seng scored 4th in Shot Put and 5th in Triple Jump with personal

[caption id="attachment_5810" align="alignright" width="164"] Cooper Seng (Year 10)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5812" align="alignleft" width="138"] Caitlin Skaines (Year 10) - Far left[/caption]

bests in each. Bradley Cook was unlucky to end up 4th on count back in the Long Jump after equalling the best jump of the bronze medallist. Several students scored 5th placing on the Darling Downs which is no mean feat given the schools we are competing against. Well done to Sam Wainwright who showed great tenacity in the Long Jump and the Triple Jump. Caitlin Skaines was 5th in the Long Jump, and Cooper Harm was 5th in the High Jump. Of our 14 competing athletes over day 1 and 2 we scored 3 Gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze and 16 odd top ten placings across all events contested. A fair effort for a small school.

[caption id="attachment_5811" align="alignleft" width="117"] Kira Holmes (Year 11)[/caption]

Day 3 was Track events day and results from this day were unavailable at the time of publication but we know the 21 attending students all gave their very best to the events. Results for this day will be reported next week so stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

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Sheep Club- Ekka Wrap Up

The Sheep Club travelled to the EKKA last week to take part in a number of events over the course of the week.  Our Junior members have really come a long way since they joined at the beginning of the year.  Izzie Twidale managed to place third in the Junior Judging - this is a fantastic achievement in a field of well over 100 other junior judges.

As a school, the College cleaned up in all Texel classes taking home a number of ribbons.  This also helped us to earn third place overall as the Most Successful School.

Congratulations to all students who represented the College and our Sheep Club in an honourable way.  Thank you to the staff and families who supported the students throughout the week for yet another successful EKKA trip.

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Netball Update

Mrs Estie Wiid | Netball Coach

The end of the netball season has resulted in many successes for our netballers this year.

Our younger girls (SCOTS 2) have demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, courage and commitment on the court for three terms.  A range of new skills was learnt throughout the season and the girls' ‘never give up’ attitude was commendable.  Overall they came 5th on the ladder for the season. We would like to acknowledge and thank our parents for their unwavering support and encouragement on the side line.

Our Opens (SCOTS 1) are still going strong and are at the top of the ladder with Strikers and Renegades breathing down their necks. The girls had a very successful season and all players stood up to challenges when on court. The Opens will play in the semi-finals next Tuesday at the WALEC courts, your support will really give them a boost so please come along to cheer our girls to victory.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

T3W7 Sport Fixtures

T3W7 Co-curricular Programme

It has been a busy fortnight in the Co-curricular office.  Our students have continued to rise to the challenge at each event and I am quite sure we’ll have many tired kids who will be seeking some rest as this week draws to a close.

Here’s a brief update on what has been happening – more results will follow in next week’s newsletter as we gain some time to regroup after a busy few days.

Queensland School Sport 10-12yrs Track and Field

The Queensland School Sport 10-12 years’ athletics meet finished up last Friday in Brisbane.  At the time of publication in last week’s newsletter we were still awaiting some of the final results to roll in.

We are pleased to report the following:

Hayley Wainwright has secured a spot on the Queensland team for 10 years’ girls after taking out the silver medal in the combined event.  She placed first in the 800m, second in the 100m, and 12th in both shotput and long jump.  Hayley also received a silver medal for the 10 years girls relay.

Nicholas Denny will also don the maroon for Queensland in the 12 years’ boys after bringing home a swag of medals in the following events: bronze in the 100m, silver in the 200m, gold in long jump.

 

 

Congratulations to all of our SCOTS PGC students who proudly represented their school and region in the following events:

Riley Wainwright – 12 years boys Long jump (13th place)

Bailey Harm – 11 years boys High Jump (6th place)

Tanner Henley – 11 years Shotput (10th place)

Ellyse Kruger – 11 years Discus (24th place)

Warwick All Schools Athletics

A spectacular turnout for the Warwick All Schools Athletics event, despite the windy conditions.  SCOTS PGC hosted the event at Briggs and was delighted to welcome students from various schools around the region. Results will follow in next week’s newsletter, please stay tuned.

Broncos Cup

We have a number of students participating in the Broncos Cup in various sports today around Warwick.  We will have a complete wrap up in next week’s edition.

Cricket Coaching Opportunity - FREE

Primary school aged cricket enthusiasts are invited to come along to a free coaching clinic this Saturday morning (24 August) at 9:00 am at Slade Park, Warwick.  The Wanderers Queensland are playing Warwick later on in the afternoon, but are keen to share their cricket skills with young cricketers during the morning.

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Individuality

Mr Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everyone else.”
Margaret Mead

The invention of the silicon chip and mobile phones has initiated a new age, no longer are teachers the gatekeepers to knowledge.  This democratisation of information has both its benefits and its challenges, especially for education.  Skills such as creativity, problem solving and resilience become much more important.  It is no longer enough to be able to answer the questions, you also need to be able to work out if the question is the right one and which answer is the most accurate.  People react to these challenges differently and I have been immensely proud of how the SCOTS PGC community has embraced the new QCE System for Years 11 and 12.  All staff are well into the process of planning and preparation.

We must not forget that it is also the last year of the OP system.  In two weeks’ time the final QCS test will take place at SCOTS PGC.  I wish all the Year 12s luck with their studies.

If everyone if thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”
― George S. Patton

The impact of individuality on teaching and learning is two-fold, we need to embrace a student’s individual talents and abilities, but also encourage each student to become responsible for their own learning.  Inside the classroom differentiation is used to modify tasks to suit individual learner’s learning needs and goals, where students are given different activities or different learning outcomes.  This is also expressed in the learning objectives for each subject.  The Mathematics Pathways programme in Year 5 and Year 10 is designed to tailor the learning to each individual student. At SCOTS PGC we are at the forefront of this exciting new way of working, with our Acting Head of STEM presenting at the recent conference and teachers from other schools visiting us to learn how they can implement the programme.  It is wonderful to have such innovative and cutting edge pedagogy at the College.

At home, this should manifest itself in how and when study is completed.  The Study Guidelines are designed to encourage students to take ownership of their learning, increasing the suggested time for study in each Year level up to Year 12.  Directed study from teachers should allow the student to reflect, review and engage with the content at a deeper level.  Some students may require more time, some less time.  It is the goal of the College to encourage every student to get into the habit of independent reading as part of their regular study routine and as such forms part of the suggested study time.

We also appreciate that students may have outside commitments, are involved in clubs and societies and should be involved in an active and supportive social life.  This holistic view is a core component of life at SCOTS PGC.  As a consequence we welcome parents and carers to communicate with teachers when students need additional support and when students have other commitments that may make study difficult.  Study at home, whether directed by a teacher or planned by the student, shows students have the dedication to improve themselves.  This, as well as participation in co-curricular activities and hard work, are components to a successful life of learning.

Many of these changes are being driven by the changes in the modern business environment. Namely, it is necessary to offer multi-dimensional relationships between curriculum concepts on entrepreneurship and the community based on entrepreneurial experiences.  Freedom in learning and teaching and an active mode of learning influences innovative personality development, which creates something unique and turns it into an entrepreneurial activity.   This is why our Year 10 business students will again be taking part in the “Mindshop Programme” in the last week of the term.  They will get to experience a real world business issue in the context of a local business.  They will work in teams to solve their real life problems and then present their solutions to the wider SCOTS PGC community.  I look forward to hearing the creative and innovative ideas they will surely come up with.

Finally, the Year 11s and 12s will have exam blocks at the end of this term, Year 12 is in Week 9 and Year 11 is in week 10.  For the Year 11s these will be practice external examinations, modelled on the assessments they will undertake next year in Term Four.  It is vital that students take these assessments as seriously as possible, as it will give them experience and better prepare them for next year.  If you have any questions about the new external assessments, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
― Colin Powell

 

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Pipes and Drums Concert – BOOK NOW

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Equestrian News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

As we approach the three quarter mark of Term 3, the Equestrian team continues to build on their skills and successes each week.  Kate Lyttle (Year 11) flew the flag for the Equestrian team last week at the Ekka, taking part in junior section of the Showjumping over five huge days. Kate reported that it was a strong competition and a wonderful experience.

Over the weekend, we had two of our riders compete at the Tamworth International Event. Maddie Keddy showed great sportsmanship even though the results were not what she was hoping for. Georgia Rohde was happy to have both of her horses in the 2* - she was also the only rider in her class to go clear and on time in her cross country on both horses.

This weekend we are excited to host Kimberley and Jess Sammon who are holding a camp draft clinic in Tannymorel.  We have a number of riders taking part – this is an excellent opportunity and we are very grateful for Kim and Jess to be giving up their time to share their campdrafting skills with us.  Our representative riders are also busy training and preparing.  The National competition is only three weeks away!

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Book Week Debrief

Thank you to all of our students and staff who have embraced Book Week and all of the opportunities to celebrate reading and the joy it brings.

This year’s theme was ‘Reading is my secret power’.  Throughout the month our book fair has been in operation in the WALEC.  It has been wonderful to see so many students take the opportunity to purchase books to add to their own libraries at home.

On Monday we kicked off the week with our annual Book Week parade, which was held in the Junior School.  As usual, this was a colourful and creative spectacle of the many characters we find in our favourite books.  Thank you to all who dressed up – it really is a fun event that we look forward to each year.

Wednesday night was an opportunity to bring our families together and share some time together to relax and read.  Thank you to all who came, shared a meal and read stories.  This is certainly an event we’d like to build on in the future.

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Our Equestrian team had a very quiet weekend, which is quite unusual if you compare it to the many other busy weekends we have already experienced this term.

Nevertheless, we are still committed to training and practice and are happy to report that a few of our students are heading to the Ekka over the course of the weekend and early next week to compete in various events.  In addition, we also have two of our students setting off to ride at the Tamworth One-day event which is also scheduled for this weekend.

A reminder that registrations for the Kim and Jess Sammon Campdraft Clinic need to be forwarded to our Equestrian Coordinator, Grace Buchholz as soon as possible, please.

Grace can be contacted by phoning the College reception 07 4666 9811 or email [email protected]

 

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Year One Need your Coles Minis!

Once again, Year One are on the hunt for the Coles mini shop collectables for use in their mathematics program.  If you are a Coles shopper our Year 1 students would be grateful for any collectable you are willing to part with. Please drop items to Reception or the JAM Office.

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Community Notices

 

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Supporting Our Children

Kyle Thompson | Principal

Parenting is one, if not the, hardest, most complex, yet most rewarding ‘jobs’ you can have. Every day requires energy, and more energy, diplomatic skill greater than many UN ambassadors, the skills and understanding of a referee who not only understands the rules, but also understands the game and the ability to figure it out as we go. There is no handbook, no licence requirements, and to top it off, an ever changing world that perhaps, as parents, we may struggle to keep up to date and at terms with. Even writing this introduction is challenging because how does one describe or wrap up parenting in words?

In being a parent, what is it that our kids want from us? And, not just in simple terms of food, shelter and safety. What is it we can be doing for them as they navigate their way through school, particularly the high school years when thrust upon them is the reality that all this ‘stuff’ they have been doing at school finally counts (yes, I know, this should not have come as a surprise to them but it always seems to).

Last week, I was able to read a report from The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) on what today’s teenagers want their parents to be saying and doing, as they navigate the stressors of their senior years. The report, aptly titled “Please Say You're Proud of Me” found that students in years 10-12 experienced tension between asserting their independence while still wanting and needing the support and guidance of parents in their education and future. The report shows that parental support is a key factor in them doing well and setting the foundation for their futures. This is not to say that the parents' job is to solve all their problems or to run interference on some of the challenges that will present themselves during this stage of schooling.

So how much involvement do our boys and girls want? There are four consistent themes in the report:

  1. Parents focussing on the positive, expressing pride in the child’s achievements and accepting who they are as a person
  2. Reminding them that you love them unconditionally and are always there for them
  3. Offering practical guidance in tackling stresses and other problems at school and in life in general
  4. Encouragement and support in allowing them to follow their own aspirations and make their own decisions for their futures, rather than being pressured into pursuing their parents' dreams.

Students in the report acknowledged the importance of academics but articulated that success was broader than just academic results. Success for them included establishing and maintaining friendships, developing life skills and doing well in co-curricular activities. Many students also noted the pressure to do well adversely affected their mental health and the maintenance of a healthy balance between study, friends and family life.

In engaging with our boys and girls, this can be as simple as talking to them in regards to what challenged them at school today, discussing news items, discussing their homework or perhaps most importantly, listening to their views.

In short, our boys and girls need and will continue to need the support of their families as they progress through their senior schooling. As care givers, finding the balance of support, developing independence, and articulating our unconditional care for them are the ingredients for a successful outcome for our students, in whatever guise that is to take.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T3W6 Sport Fixtures

T3W6 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

QCIS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Congratulations to all on the fantastic effort on Monday at the QCIS Athletics.

In the Aggregate, we finished a creditable third place above Downlands College and Concordia College.  We were just 42 points behind TAS in second place with the overwhelmingly strong ATC and Brigidine combination just too strong for us all in first.

This fantastic effort in the Aggregate made it easy for us to take the Average trophy with the smallest school population in the competition – a great effort from all to secure this title. Next year our eyes will be fixed on toppling TAS in the Aggregate race.

We congratulate the following students for their record breaking performances in their respective age group events as follows:

Hayley Wainwright - 200m, Long Jump, High Jump

Nicholas Denny - 200m, 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put

Beau Kendall - Javelin

Samuel Wainwright - Long Jump, Triple Jump

Kira Holmes - Javelin

William Gilmore - Discus

Again, thank you to all those who contributed to our success and congratulations on our collective and your individual triumphs.

 

Border District Athletics

The busy week of events continued on Thursday with the Border District Carnival held at Warwick SHS. The day brought success across several events with outstanding individual performances recorded in all age groups.

In the race for the Aggregate Trophy, Warwick State High School took out the title with 463 points.  We were close behind on 420 points with Assumption bringing up third place some distance back. Allora pipped us for the Average trophy this year, but all was not lost with our individual students figuring in the Age Championship results as listed below.

Harry Mayall and Samuel Wainwright shared a three way tie for the 13 years Age Champion. Cooper Seng was Runner up in the 15 years Boys Age Championship. Shona McFarland dominated with her sheer weight of events and dogged determination to take the 16 years Girls Age Championship. Finally, in the Senior Age Championship Caitlin Skaines and Samuel Proudlove both took the top honour to round out a superb performance from what was a reasonably small team.

Other individuals to shine on the day included Ewan McFarland and Zara Kruger in their respective 3000m events, while Mackenzie Mayall was outstanding dominating many track events in the 15 years age group. Harry Mayall was a standout performer in the 13 years 100m, 200m and 400m but really shone as a last minute substitution in the Open Boys Relay, who were narrowly defeated by WSHS on the line. Shona's PB in the High Jump was one to behold, and Chloe Wainwright was a leading light for the 15 years’ girls.

The greatest highlight for me as team manager was seeing so many of our great students chipping in and having a go to fill vacated spots due to illness or injury. This selflessness and service to their school is what SCOTS PGC is all about and I thank all for the part they played.

Finally, a huge thank you goes out to our Gap students Jeremy, Scott, Alyssa and Sophia for their work as team managers and track officials and to Mr Wilson and Mr Campbell for their support and work with the team and out officiating the shot put.

 

 

 

Queensland School Sport 10-12yrs Track and Field

In news from the State Championships in Brisbane, Nicholas Denny has pulled off the performance of the year to grasp the bronze in the 12 years Boys 100m Final, whilst Bailey Harm has finished 6th in the 11 years High Jump.

Hayley and Riley Wainwright sit reasonably placed in the Combined event after the 100m and Long Jump and will contest the Shot Put and the 800m tomorrow to finalise this event.

Tanner Henley and Ellyse Kruger were yet to throw in their events at the time of compiling this report so we eagerly await their results.

 

Warwick All Schools Athletics

Next Thursday 22 August, SCOTS PGC hosts the 2019 Warwick All Schools Athletics involving Year 7-12 students in the 12 years to 17/18 years age divisions. Pre events will be held on Wednesday afternoon commencing at 3.45pm and the main day commences at 9.00am Thursday. Spectators are welcome and a canteen will be in operation.

 

SWQ All Schools Touch

On Sunday 18 August three SCOTS PGC Touch Teams will take on the best of the South West schools in the annual Touch Carnival at Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba. We wish the Under 15 Boys, Under 15 Girls and Under 18 Mixed Teams all the very best at this event. With positions in the Open Mixed Team for Queensland All Schools at stake all players will be trying their best to impress. Games commence at 8.45am and the team is departing at 7.00am.

Gym Closures

Due to dwindling numbers on Monday and Tuesday mornings the Gym will be closed until warmer weather brings out our gym goers once again. The Gym will remain open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings for the remainder of the term.

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Year 9s experience Outward Bound

Mr Jonathon Fender | Outdoor Education Coordinator

Our Year 9 class set off an outdoor education experience during Week 3 this term.  The Outward Bound camp is designed to challenge our students to utilise and build on their teamwork skills to work through a series of outdoor activities.  Students learn more about themselves, their physical strengths and their ability to navigate situations that might not always be within their comfort zones.  We asked some of our students to reflect on their Outward Bound experience, here’s what they had to say:

Outward Bound Camp was an eye-opening experience for all.  We participated in activities such as hiking with our packs on that contained all of our gear for the few days we were away. We went mountain biking and climbed Big Ben, the massive tree. While we were away we learned that teamwork is so important not just while climbing trees but in fact for everyday activities. While breakfast was supplied for us, we had to prepare all our other meals. This is where we used our teamwork skills as some cut up the food and others cleaned up. Overall, I think our tutor group (9.2) enjoyed the mountain biking the most as there were so many hills to go up and down! Our instructor, Jenny, was great too as she introduced us to some fun games to play around the campfire at night. - Alexandra Rickett

 

One of the activities I took part in on camp was a hike.  We had to walk along dirt trails up and down hills and through the bush.  We were in groups of two or three people and for a certain part of the hike each group had the map and were in charge of navigation.  This meant they had to lead the rest of us to the next destination on the hike.  The trail was approximately 8 kilometres long and consisted of very dense terrain.

What I took away from this camping activity, were the skills to read a map and navigate a trail.  I also learned the ‘good old’ lesson of: If you try your hardest at something and don’t give up when it gets tough you will succeed at it.  I also learned to always help others when they need help and also to accept help if it is offered and you need it. - Juliana Cox

 

On the Wednesday morning of Week 3, the Year 9 class set off for Outward Bound.  Once we arrived, the first thing we did was divide into our tutor groups and pack our gear into our hiking packs.  We needed to carry all of our clothes and supplies for the next three days.  Shortly afterwards we had lunch, then began our walk towards our first camping site.  Once we arrived, we were told that our first activity was to climb Big Ben.  Big Ben was a tree not far from our campsite, which we all climbed while attached to a rope.  The climb certainly exercised our patience and team work skills.

Our activities over the next couple of days included an eight kilometre hike, mountain biking, as well as team building activities. Outward Bound allowed us to learn an abundance of new skills and helped us to get to know each other more. - Eliana Jones

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Community Notices

 

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Time does not stand still in the Equestrian Centre.  Our weekends continue to be filled with more competitions giving many of our team members the opportunity to grow and improve all the time.  Last weekend, saw four of our riders compete at the Gatton World Cup Show Jumping.  Beau and Kate Lyttle, Georgia Rohde and Tom Keable all had a great weekend of riding, however, Beau was our star, placing in the majority of the classes he competed in.  Tom also had a brilliant weekend placing in the Young Riders as first qualifier.

The EKKA has officially kicked off and we will have a few of our riders travelling to compete in various events at the RNA showgrounds.  Best of luck to everyone! We look forward to sharing your results.

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Students in the Spotlight

Sports Darling Downs Breakfast

Will Gilmore and Zara Kruger were recognised for their contribution to their respective sports of athletics and football at a special breakfast in Toowoomba during July.

Will won the silver medal in the Under 17 Hammer Throw, and performed in the top 8 for Discus, at the Australian Athletics Championships.

Zara is a member of the Queensland 15 years Schoolgirls Football team as well as the Under 14 Girls Queensland State Club team.

It is fantastic to see our students in the spotlight in the wider community.  Congratulations!

 

C Badge Status for Holly

Earlier this month Holly Naughten was awarded a National C Badge for netball umpiring.  Holly travelled to Toowoomba to umpire a competition match in front of a panel of officials, who were impressed with her skills and knowledge as a young umpire.

The National C Badge now entitles Holly to umpire at competitions Australia wide.

Well done Holly!

 

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Cattle Club hits the EKKA

Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

On Sunday morning, eight cattle club members, lead by the ‘mother’ of the group, Mrs Goonan and the Cattle Club coordinator, Mr Collet, headed off to Brisbane for the Ekka. Bridie, Harriet, Clay, Lily, Thea, Mia, Josh and Marty jumped off the bus and were thrown into the bustling metropolis of cattle, that is the School Steer Section. For many of them, it was their first time at the Ekka and with some guidance, they were able to find a stall, prepare the animals and have them ready for showing the next day.

Monday saw the commencement of the School Paraders' Competition. Lily was successful in the Intermediates class coming away with an 8th place, a huge achievement in a class of over 100 other students. Bridie made the finals in the Senior class but was unable to secure a ribbon.

On Tuesday, the Cattle Judging and the Junior Judging events unfolded. Bridie, Clay and Lily competed in the Team Judging competition, producing a great speech; however, they were not successful in gaining a placing. Mia should be highly commended for her second place in the Junior Judging, which is a major achievement. The school steer, Panda, placed 3rd in his class.

Taking a break from the cattle work, the students headed out on the town Tuesday night. The youngest of the group, Marty Warboys, could not suppress the excitement on his face as he travelled through Brisbane for what he admitted to being his very first time. Neither one of the team could argue that they weren’t impressed with the size of the cinema screen at Chermside.

Overall, it was a great effort from each of the students and it was awesome to get along with the other schools and students, with particular mention to Coonamble High School and the New England Girls School.

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Grandparents Day – 30th August 2019

Our annual Grandparents Day is fast approaching on Friday 30 August.  This is a special day on the SCOTS PGC calendar which sees the Junior and Middle School students bring their grandparents along to school for a special day of activities and morning tea.  Our boys and girls look forward to this day, just as much as our grandparents do.

Whilst most invitations have been posted out already, we’d like to ensure that we’ve captured all of our SCOTS PGC grandparents.  Please see the attached invitation and RSVP to Alisi Malolo as soon as you are able if you haven’t already.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T3W5 Sport Fixtures
T3W5 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Bailey Harm A.K.A Superfish

Congratulations to Year 6 student, Bailey Harm, who has just returned from a very successful swim meet to represent his school and state at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Melbourne.

Bailey was the star Queensland swimmer who helped his team to victory in the Boys’ Freestyle Relay.  He also swam the backstroke leg of the Mixed Medley Relay and the Boys’ Medley Relay, earning another gold and silver medal for the respective events.

This is an honourable achievement.  Well done, Bailey.

 

Darling Downs Under 15 Rugby Union Team

Starting Thursday, the Queensland School Sport Under 15 Rugby Union Championships are being held at Highfields where three SCOTS players have been given the opportunity to represent the region.

Hank Zammit, Darcy Zammit and Kaleb Chidgzey will all, I am sure, give a good account of themselves as they go head to head with some of the State's best representative players. They will not be in unfamiliar territory as the boys will be coached by Mr Anthony Savovski and Mr Vladimir Savovski as the Regional Coaches and Mr Jonathan Fender will also be on hand as the Team Manager.

 

Queensland 10-12 years Track and Field

As we go to print this week our members of the Darling Downs 10-12 years Track and Field Team are putting on the final preparations for their assault on the State Championships which are scheduled to take place in Brisbane next Thursday and Friday 15-16 August.

We wish Tanner Henley, Bailey Harm, Riley Wainwright, Nicholas Denny, Hayley Wainwright, and Ellyse Kruger all the very best as they take on the might of the Brisbane regions. We look forward to updates of their exploits and hearing of their experiences on their return to the College.

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Possum Magic was Magical

Mrs Shell Campbell | Year 1 Teacher

On Tuesday 6 August, our beautiful Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students travelled to the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba to view the Mem Fox classic, 'Possum Magic'.  We all had a wonderful time and our students enjoyed having lunch at Queens Park as well.  Our Year One students wrote about their wondrous Possum Magic adventure….

Poss and Hush lived in Australia. Hush wanted to be visible again, so she had to eat people food. She ate pavlova, vegemite sandwiches and lamingtons. They had to visit all of the capitals of Australia.  I liked when they went to the Sydney Harbour for the Count Down and when they went to Brisbane and Hobart and Darwin and Perth.   (Steph)

I went in a bus to Toowoomba. It felt like 1000000 years. We went to the Empire Theatre and there was a police station next to the theatre. When we were going, our total group took over lots of seats.  They were so soft. My favourite character was the snake. I went on a roundabout at the park. I pushed and I rode it too. (Lewis)

We went to Queens Park, but before that Hus was funny. I don’t know how they opened up the spell book without touching it! It was magical! (Alayna)

On Tuesday we went to Toowoomba to see Possum Magic. The possum used magic. I sat next to Lewis and Hope. The seat felt like a pillow. I liked the costumes. I liked the flames that went up. They went all around Australia. It was fun because we walked so far. I saw a police station too. The characters had a spell book. They also had a bike. It was a good bike. We went on a bus. Lucas talked to me. I fell asleep on the bus. It was fun! (Hunter)

We went on a big bus to Toowoomba. We went to the Empire Theatre. There were red velvet seats. They were fluffy seats. They were very good seats. Grandma Poss turned Hush invisible. They went to Hobart, Darwin, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. Hush had to eat people food. The snake went ssssssssssssssss. It was scary. He did not catch her. (Franky)

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Book your spot with Campdraft Legends

The Equestrian Centre have arranged a Campdraft Clinic for SCOTS PGC students who are keen to learn more about the sport of campdrafting.  Our instructors are Kim and Jess Sammon, who are based in Beaudesert, Queensland.  They are renowned for their campdrafting careers, winning many titles and drafts around the country.

If you are interested in attending the clinic to be held on 24 and 25 August at Tannymorel, please contact Grace Buchholz prior to 17 August. The cost of the clinic will be $200 for SCOTS PGC students and parents.

If there are spots still available after 17 August, the clinic will be open for outsides participants at a cost of $250.

Any questions, please contact Grace – [email protected]

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Continued success in National Geography Competition

Mr Mike Keevers | Head of Humanities

This year students from Year 8 to 12 entered into the National Geography Competition, sponsored by The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, The University of Queensland and The Australian Geography Teachers Association. The College has been entering students into the competition for over twenty years, and I am delighted to see that our success has continued.

A total of 73,000 students entered into the competition from all states and territories across Australia. Our top student was Joshua Crow from Year 11, who achieved a result that placed him in the top 1% in Australia. In all, the College received 5 Credits, 12 distinctions and 6 high distinctions. This is an outstanding effort from our students. Recognition too, to our teachers who assisted these students in receiving these results.

The awards will be presented to the students at the next available assembly.

Australian Geography Competition Awardees

 

Australian Geography Competition Awardees

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Baesango Village – a ‘Booming’ settlement in the Solomon Islands

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

It is really impossible to know where to start when asked, ‘how did it go?’ regarding the 12-day cultural encounter that was SCOTS PGC College’s inaugural venture to the Solomon Islands.  Words fail me, and continue to do so, as I flounder about, vainly attempting to place even a few of the most memorable moments in a semblance of order; and even how to categorise them?  Most emotional, most hilarious, most significant for our students/the village of Baesango/the local primary school/ or perhaps even any ‘near misses?’

Most hilarious?  As school seems always to be finished by early afternoon, the Baesango children have a lot of time on their hands; and of course no screens, no internet, no electricity.  Creativity is key, so imagine my curiosity when the rain forest canopy began to be quite literally shaken by loud explosions, emanating from somewhere close to the Kwarea River, interrupting my quiet reading at about 2 pm.  I saw in the distance a small group of our own students clearly able to see exactly was going on, and when I yelled an enquiry in their direction I received the response that teachers, and parents, all over the world know means, ‘get down here now!’

‘There’s nothing to see, Sir!’  I was assured.  ‘You just carry on reading’.

Well, off I went, of course. There, in a clearing right beside the river was a 1.5-metre long, 10 cm diameter hollowed-out bamboo pipe, or should I say cannon.  Tilted at about 20 degrees, held by a framework of sawn timber, with a hole cut at the lower end was the cause of the afternoon disturbance.  One of the most mischievous, and endearing village boys, Jonathan, and his assistants had borrowed the small petrol can used to top up the village’s generator (placed into service only for special cultural events such as our nightly festivals of tribal dancing and music) and was carefully pouring fuel into the hole and using torn rags as a fuse.  A box of matches, from who-knows-where, was then utilised to light the fuse and within a few seconds, the pool of petrol inside the cannon exploded with a very surprising but quite satisfying, ‘BOOM!’

But cannons need cannon balls, or the like, and these lads had decided that due to a lack of nicely rounded river pebbles of the right diameter, that they would use other locally-available natural ordinance, namely the brown frogs so common around the village and in the rainforest.

A gang of younger boys (why is it so often boys?!) collected these amply-proportioned amphibians and loaded them, one at a time, down the muzzle of the bamboo cannon.  Just in case you are appalled at my apparent lack of compassion for Solomon Island wildlife, quite miraculously the frogs, duly ejected from the barrel of the cannon, and enduring a curved trajectory for a flight of 5-10 metres, all survived the ordeal!

Surprised, probably highly confused, the frogs I witnessed entertaining these lads, seemed to do something of a dusting of themselves off before hopping back towards the quieter, more traditional habitat of the forest undergrowth.  Indeed, perhaps it is this remarkable, endearing ability to cope with the unusual extra-curricular activity that has allowed the local frogs, unlike the area’s crocodiles, fish, birds and other edible wildlife to survive, indeed thrive around the village?  We had been assured by one of our hosts, when asked why there was so little fauna to photograph, that anything sufficiently big and tasty enough to eat, would have been consumed long before now.

Baesango has etched an indelible mark on all of us.  Everyone will have their own highlight, I am sure, but as I mentioned at a welcoming ceremony at Honore (otherwise known as ‘OneOne’) Primary School, while the natural beauty of the area is beyond question it is the inner beauty of the people that made our time there unique; and it will keep us returning for many years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Week is just around the corner…

Mrs Christine Peterson | Head of Library Services

August is book month in the libraries and we are happy to announce that this year’s theme is “Reading is my secret power.”  With this in mind, our students will be looking at both books where the character has some secret power (NOT super power) for example; The Magic Finger, Matilda, Harry Potter, The Cat in the Hat, and Possum Magic, as well as books from the CBCA notable books list.

To celebrate we also have a variety of activities planned across the calendar:

12th – 16th August is Book Fair

19th -23rd is Book Week

On Monday 19 August at 9 am we will host our Junior School Book Parade where students are encouraged to dress up as characters that have a secret power.

On the evening of Wednesday 21 August, we are hosting a family night where I hope you will come and bring a plate to share for dinner, followed by a story before bedtime.  We will start this at 6 pm in the WALEC and should be finished about 7 pm.  Children can come in their PJ’s if they wish.

I look forward to seeing you all at one or all of these events.

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A Warm Welcome to SCOTS PGC

Miss Amy Woodgate | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

When you make a change or enter a new place, it is the little things that matter.  In a recent Chapel service, I shared with the students the quote ‘no act of kindness, no matter how small, ever goes unnoticed’.  As I have begun my time at SCOTS PGC, the small acts of kindness have made the transition to a new school, new house and new town so positive.  The smiles and greetings as I’ve walked around campus, someone showing me the way to a classroom on the first day, the chats that happen around the table at the Dining Hall or someone letting me know where the best coffee shop is in town have all made my move to Warwick and to SCOTS PGC special and just that little bit less overwhelming.

Despite the below-zero temperatures giving me a true introduction to the weather in this part of the world, I have been welcomed so warmly by the SCOTS PGC community.  Getting to know you all through our ‘meet and greet’ events, or through chats on the Junior School stairs of a morning, has helped me to get a feel for the College, and especially the people who come together to make it the special place that it is.  The students are genuine, caring and interested.  They want to get to know you and it is clear that they love their school.  Getting to know the students, hearing their stories and having them share their experiences with me has been a highlight of my first few weeks at the College.

Other highlights over the past few weeks have included:

  • Sharing in the Centenary celebrations with the College
  • Presenting our Year 4 Leaders for this term with their badges
  • Joining Year 1 as they explored the Japanese culture with their special visitor
  • Spending time in the Prep classroom and having our youngest students share their love of learning and play with me
  • Having dinner with the boarders and getting to know some of our Junior Boys’ Boarders a little better
  • Introducing a new STEM unit to Year 6 and having them come up with creative ideas about what makes a good playground design
  • Meeting with the Middle School Leaders and listening to their ideas about Middle School and their passion for the College
  • Getting to know the dedicated and passionate staff who work across the College, but especially those who support and guide our Junior and Middle School students

We all know that change can be challenging.  We have had new students join us this term.  I am sure for these families that the change to a new school may have presented some challenges, but from speaking to the students and the families, they too, have felt so warmly welcomed by the SCOTS PGC community.

Our students returned from the holidays ready and eager to get underway with Semester 2.  New units of study have begun in classrooms and new co-curricular activities have gotten underway.  Our students are busy inside and outside of the classrooms each day and are fortunate to attend a school like SCOTS PGC that provides them with such a vast array of opportunities to develop their strengths and explore their interests and talents.  I look forward to them continuing to share their excitement for learning and hearing the stories about what they have been up to as the semester progresses.

 

 

 

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Centenary Celebrations

It has been a momentous week in the College’s history as we marked 100 years since the official opening of The Scots College.  Scots was first established in 1919, just one year after the opening of the Presbyterian Girls College (PGC).

Past students rallied together to honour the College at various events which began last Friday with a special luncheon at the Queensland Club in Brisbane.  Over the weekend, the College hosted the Past Students Association Reunion celebrations which comprised a lunch on Pipers Knoll, College tours at both the Oxenham and Locke Street campuses and then a dinner in the dining hall with past students who graduated anywhere from five to sixty years ago.

A chapel service followed on Sunday to honour the 100th birthday of Scots which was once again well attended by students past and present.

On Monday the College hosted a special commemorative Centenary Assembly attracting past students and community members to our College to honour the special centennial milestone.  Our guest speaker and past student, His Honour Judge Sandy Horneman-Wren SC accurately depicted what it means to be part of SCOTS PGC and spoke of memories which resonated with all who were in attendance.

Today, our Junior School hosted their own special assembly and invited our longest serving current teacher, Mr Keevers for a special history lesson on Scots College.

The week has provided our community with moments to reflect and remember what it means to be part of such a special place which is proud of its rich 100-year history.

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An Update on life in Prep

Mrs Sharyn Bomford | Prep Teacher

The Prep room has been a hive of activity this term already – we’ve jumped straight into learning all about a number of wonderful topics which are very relevant to issues we come across in our everyday lives.

Science: Weather in my world unit

So far this term we have talked about the different types of weather and the symbols used to communicate weather conditions. We are checking Warwick's weather forecast daily on the BOM site and recording our observations on our weather chart. We plan to use our weather data to display our results in the form of a picture graph which will be undertaken in one of our maths sessions.

This week we looked at the water cycle to understand why it rains. We did two experiments - Rain in a Plastic Bag and Rain Cloud in a jar. During the experiments we discussed evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection to further develop our understanding of the water cycle. Watching a cloud form in our jar today was very exciting!

Geography - What is my place?

In geography we are asking ourselves questions like “What are places like?” and “What makes a place special?” So far this term we have discussed what do we know about places and maps. We shared places special to us with each other and also wondered about places we would like to visit. Our Art and writing pieces titled I'm leaving on a jet plane... are taking us to places here in Australia and overseas. Elsie was keen to find out about Disneyland in America. We are going to put an information stand together in our airport this week to encourage other people to book a flight to the USA. Other destinations of interest were Egypt, China, Japan and London. Eliza really wants to meet Queen Elizabeth and Felix would like to explore Ancient Egypt. Our passports and boarding passes are ready to go. Over the term please drop into Prep to check out some exciting destinations to visit.

 

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Cattle Club Update

Mr Peter Collett

Our annual Paddock to Plate tour was a great success last weekend.  Cattle Club students and their families set off on their tour to learn what’s involved in how a steak meets the plate.

The tour included a visit to a local feedlot, John Dee abbatoir and was completed with a butchering demonstration by mobile butcher, Rob McKechnie.  Our students really enjoyed learning about the complete process and where the prime cuts of meat come from.

On Sunday members of our Cattle Club Team will be heading off to the EKKA for the Hoof and Hook Competition. We have nine head of cattle and a similar number of students making their way to Brisbane this weekend and returning on Wednesday afternoon. The College team will compete against 30 other schools for the trophy of best school. This is based on an accumulation of points from the Junior Judges, Paraders, Herdperson and school steer competitions.

Best of luck team!

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T3W4 Sport Fixtures

T3W4 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Queensland 10-19 years Orienteering Championship

Last weekend three SCOTS PGC students attended the Queensland 10-19 years Orienteering Championships in and around Brisbane.

Chloe Wainwright and William Gilmore were attending as first timers to this event whilst Ewan McFarland was returning as a seasoned veteran.  The championships are conducted over three events across the weekend.

The first was the Hagaby event. In a "hagaby" event, the course is divided into loops. There is a mass start. Each competitor completes all the loops, but not necessarily in the same order. In this event all three of our students performed quite well with Chloe 6th, Ewan 6th and William 7th in their respective age groups.

The second event was held later that afternoon and was the sprint event. No time to delay here with speed and accuracy of map reading the necessary skills across the bushland course. Here Chloe received 7th place, whilst Ewan and Will battled it out for 8th and 9th respectively.

The final event was the Individual Long Course. This is a true test of endurance where competitors must traverse the course as fast as possible and negotiate the quickest possible route after assessing the terrain represented on their map. Here is where Chloe shone with a best placing for the weekend of 5th in the Junior Girls. Ewan, contesting the senior boys event, but unfortunately he mis-punched a station and was relegated down the finish order. Will had the option to contest the Standard Course as a novice at these championships and successfully pulled off the win bringing home the gold medal.

Unfortunately, a maximum of just five students can be picked in the Queensland Team and none of our students finished high enough to gain selection; however, Chloe's 5th in the Long Course certainly gave the selectors cause for thought and with further experience she may make a solid claim at next year's event.

Congratulations to all students from a very proud College community.

 

National U15 Schoolgirls Football Championships

Zara Kruger remains a very busy girl with her attendance at these Championships in Sydney following her recent attendance at the Queensland Cross Country Championships and the Nation FFA U14 Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. I am once again pleased to report Zara has played a significant role in the Queensland team's performance thus far. The team scored a 2-1 win in their opening encounter and a 2-2 win on Thursday. Looking at Zara's schedule you would think she was a part of the Matilda's squad as she moves from day to day recovery, training and match routines. We wish Zara well for the remainder of the Tournament and look forward to hearing of the experience on her return to the College.

 

Arranmore - Aussie Hoops Programme

This programme has moved to Thursday afternoon and has capacity for further students to attend from Prep to Year 6. Please message Mr Bradbury if you would like to join this programme. We currently have 11 registered participants but only three were available this past Thursday. Mr Pop Dickerson is conducting the programme and has a wealth of knowledge to impart to the students in a fun and relaxed manner that makes all students feel like an NBA superstar.

 

Athletics Team Members

All Athletics Team members are asked to RSVP ASAP please to confirm their commitment to the team for the QCIS by Monday 5th August as bus need to be booked. We are currently banking on 2 buses for this massive event but require confirmation at your earliest convenience. If parents have received a SEQTA message from me regarding this or any other team it is because it directly affects your child, so please RSVP accordingly.

 

Broncos Cup Sports Day

The numbers are in and teams formed for the Broncos Cup day on the 23 August at various venues around Warwick. Details for those involved will be coming out soon so parents and students in Years 5-7 (who are turning 10-12 years of age) should keep an eye out on SEQTA for further correspondence.

 

EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the weekend, we had two of our riders compete at the Caboolture World Cup Show Jumping resulting in some great success. Tom Keable came home with 2nd in the Young Rider Championship.

This coming weekend team members will head to Gatton for another World Cup Show Jumping event.  Best of luck to all riders – we are looking forward to sharing your results in next week’s newsletter article.

 

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Jeans for Genes Casual Clothes Day

Thank you to the students and staff for supporting the 2019 Jeans for Genes Day Casual Clothes Day, a total of $463.10 was raised.

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Mathematicians Rewarded

A group of students from Years 5-7 celebrated their maths achievements with a special morning tea today hosted by Miss Brittain in the Archive Centre.

The criteria for such a worthy honour was achieving a growth rate of over 200% throughout last term within the Maths Pathways programme.  The impromptu morning tea consisted of warm milos, cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies.  Our young mathematicians believe their classmates will all be striving to reach the same high growth rates – especially when the rewards involve a delicious morning tea!

Congratulations to these students – keep up the excellent work!

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Changing of the Guard – New Leaders in Junior School

A new term also represents a new leadership team in our Junior School.  Earlier this year the College implemented an experiential model to develop leadership skills in our Junior School students. Throughout the year, every Year 4 student is provided with the opportunity to spend one school term on the leadership team. The leadership team is made up of approximately 6-7 students who are given additional responsibilities around the College.

At the end of each term, students hand their badge onto a fellow student who will be part of the leadership team the next term. Here at SCOTS, we believe every student can benefit from being given opportunities to learn and further develop their skills working as part of a team, showing inclusiveness, initiative, responsibility and committing to the overall values and life of our College community.

Congratulations to our new leaders for Term 3, Thomas Worboys, Hamish Bayley, William Collins, Alexander Tweddell, Bridie Hutchison and Emma Woodside.  We are excited to be working with each of you throughout the next couple of months!

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The start of Term 3 has not slowed down our equestrian team. We had two of our riders compete at Gatton show over the weekend with great success. Thomas Keable won the Young Riders and Chase Naylor placed 6th in the juniors. Mia Bischoff attended the Boonah Campdraft and had a great time.

The equestrian calendar is still quite full for the remainder of this semester.  Our team is very busy ensuring we are properly prepared for events.  We are very excited for what’s in store.

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Wine & Cheese Night – P&F

A friendly reminder that the P&F will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Night this coming Monday, 29 July at 5.00pm in the Learning Resource Centre (Senior School Library).

This is an opportunity for us to get together as a community and welcome our new Head of Junior and Middle School, Amy Woodgate.

For catering purposes, please kindly RSVP as soon as possible via a SEQTA message to Clare Cartmill.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Queensland Cross Country Results

Last weekend SCOTS had three participants in the Queensland 10-19 years Cross Country Championships held at Highfields Sports Park. Ewan McFarland, Hayley Wainwright and Zara Kruger represented the College and their region in an exemplary manner with all three mentioned in dispatches to me post event for their team focus and efforts across the two days.

In their Individual events each met with mixed results.

Hayley Wainwright (10 Years’ girls):  Hayley finished 58th in her first attempt at a State Championship in Cross Country and learned a lot from her experience I am sure. The field was a hot one and she worked her hardest to get amongst it from the start. On day two Hayley's relay team finished a creditable 6th of 11 in a close fought relay encounter.

Zara Kruger (13 Years’ girls):  After a big week of football in Coffs Harbour, Zara managed to pull together a great result in 28th position and was the 5th Darling Downs Runner across the line. In the relays on Monday the Darling Downs girls placed 2nd to South Coast in an impressive display giving Zara a nice memento of the Championship.

Ewan McFarland (16 Years’ boys) - With an unfortunate interrupted preparation due to illness in the days approaching the event, Ewan was not on the top of his game but gained a very creditable 30th place.  Ewan ran a new personal best of 21.51 min and was the second Darling Downs competitor across the line. In the relay Ewan pulled a personal best over the 1500m course as the 3rd fastest of the Darling Downs boys in their 7th place finish.

We congratulate all on their efforts and wish them well for the track events fast approaching.

 

Athletics Carnivals Ahead – Add to your Calendar!

The term is a busy one with the following events involving our student athletes over the coming weeks.

12 August            QCIS Athletics in Brisbane - 10-19 years College Team
(This will involve students from 10-18yrs of age details of which will be in your SEQTA messages over the weekend.)

15-16 August     Queensland 10-12 years State Championships in Brisbane
(Selected College Athletes to be advised)

15 August            Border District Athletics in Warwick - 13-19 years College Team

(The 13-18 years’ team will be attending and the team will be advised in the very near future)

22 August            Warwick All Schools at SCOTS PGC - 13-19yrs College Team
(The 13-18 years’ team will be attending and the team will be advised in the very near future)

29-30 August     Darling Downs 13-19 years Championships in Toowoomba
(Selected College athletes  who have made qualifying standards will attend. Current qualifiers from our carnival will be advised over the weekend.)

As you can see a busy time ahead. Remember training is available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with Mr Bradbury and Mr Campbell along with sprint and distance training on Wednesday and Friday morning's with Mr Bradbury. Please contact us if you require further details. A reminder that Mr Des Davey will be attending the College on 11 August and 25 August from 2pm to coach interested student in throws and also on 11 September from 3.00pm. Please utilise this service for the benefit of your children.

 

Arranmore Sports Options

Next week we commence Arranmore Basketball and Athletics. Mrs Cole will be gathering the Athetics students and Mr Heather will gather our Basketballers from the steps of the Junior School. There are still places available in these programmes and parents are asked to SEQTA message Mr Bradbury ASAP to enrol.

 

Darling Downs Super Schools Rugby Competition

The new and exciting concept in schoolboy Rugby kicks off next week with our Year 7/8, Year 9/10 and Year 11/12 Teams playing their first matches in the competition against Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. Due to camp unfortunately the Year 9/10 game has been postponed until next Friday but the other teams will be hard at it in the opening carnival for the competition at Highfields on Wednesday 31 July.

This competition will see the boys play against Toowoomba Anglican School, Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, and Faith Lutheran in a round robin series culminating in the finals towards the end of Term 3. Downs Rugby, the Queensland Rugby Union and the schools involved hope to see this expand to include two further schools in 2020 and offer boys on the Downs an alternative to the traditional schoolboy pathways.

 

Semester Two Touch

We are calling for interested players to contact Mr Bradbury immediately if they wish to play for the College in any capacity this Semester. We are looking at three representative teams for the South West All Schools and one Open Mixed Team for the Queensland All Schools. Players can play into the local competition in mixed social teams as well. A lack of interest at our recent meeting puts all these teams in doubt for the future of Touch at the College. Training is on Tuesday afternoon for all those wishing to attend the South West and Queensland All Schools and attendance is mandatory.

 

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Life-Long Learning

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
― Henry Ford

This is the season of new beginnings, soon the cold, frosty mornings will melt away to the renewal of spring.  Endorsement, the first big event of the new QCE System is almost upon us, the Year 10s are currently in the midst of deciding their future path, visiting the Warwick and USQ careers day, and the Jumpers and Jazz festival is in full swing.  This can be a confusing and challenging time, but we are here to help.  The most important mantra at this time is to choose subjects you enjoy, you are achieving well in and that are prerequisites for University courses and careers.  Below is a link to a presentation I delivered to Year 10 parents at the SET Plan interviews, but it is relevant to any parent of students in Year 11 and below, who are interested in the new system.

https://prezi.com/view/DjWAKNiyLIfazB462Dtk/

 “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
― Socrates

As humans we never stop learning and as a consequence, there is always a way.  We have to continue to expand and adapt our minds to cope with the multitude of new experiences and situations, regardless of our age.  When we talk about the lifelong learning mindset, we think about the cultivation of habits as opposed to just the achievement of goals.  One of the greatest gifts teachers can give students is developing their capacity and desire to learn independently.

It is worth noting that global curricula indicate a strong focus on the development of the following skills:

  • A vision of students as ‘lifelong learners’
  • Principles of ‘learning to learn’
  • The values of ‘innovation, inquiry and curiosity’
  • Learning areas that emphasis participation beyond school

Here at SCOTS PGC we aim to focus on skills, on the ability to adapt, create and innovate, to enable our students to acquire the ability to solve problems and think for themselves.  Our STEM and Maths Pathways programmes have these skills embedded and our co-curricular offerings expand the learning to outside of the classroom.  Learning in a digital world requires a commitment to continuous learning and reflecting, a process of adoption and adaptation.  It requires subtley, nuance and, ultimately, working together as part of humanity.  Hopefully the publishing of the Semester 1 reports will give students an opportunity to reflect and work towards improvement.  Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher directly, or their Head of Year, to discuss any aspect of the report.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
― Albert Einstein

                Finally, a note about reporting in the new system.  We have changed the reporting process to align with the structure of the new syllabus.  A to E grades will only be awarded at the end of each semester and not for individual assessments.  This is because the new system is set out for grades to be awarded on multiple assessments combined.   Different assessments will have different total marks but the criteria sheets and expectations will be similar across all subjects.  I would encourage all parents not to wait until the end of semester reports are published to track student progress.  All assessments should be available on SEQTA, with feedback on how to improve, as and when they are scheduled.

As with any change of this magnitude, we will not always get it right first time.  I encourage any feedback on reporting and sincerely thank those of you who have already been in contact.  As a matter of course we will be reviewing the changes later in the year and making any adjustments necessary for next year.  If you have any questions or queries about the new system, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Marzano, R. J. (2000). Designing a new taxonomy of educational objectives. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

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Year 8 Ventures to Camp Kokoda

Whilst the large majority of SCOTS PGC College students were preparing to return for their first day of Term 3 last Tuesday, our Year 8 class were psyching themselves up for three days of outdoor adventure at Camp Kokoda.

Departing early on Tuesday morning, during a week that was one of our coldest to date this winter, our Year 8 class set off for camp.  Upon arrival at Camp Kokoda, situated on the outskirts of Boonah and overlooking Maroon Dam, our campers split up into their respective tutor groups and prepared to embrace all the outdoor education experience had to offer.

A challenging three days ensued which comprised a number of outdoor activities designed to explore comfort zones, foster team spirit and deliver an experience which encourages a great sense of accomplishment.   The high ropes course was a popular activity amongst the students with many beaming with pride upon completion of the obstacle.

From all reports our crew of Year 8 students and their tutors conquered Camp Kokoda and survived their three-day adventure. They arrived safely back to school Thursday afternoon with a newfound appreciation for the creature comforts of home that they previously took for granted – shower, a comfy bed and a hearty home cooked meal.

A special thanks to all of the staff who were involved in making the camp experience possible and congratulations to our students for embracing all that Camp Kokoda had to offer.

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Maths Tutorials are still on!

Students in Years 7 to 12 can access before school Maths tutorials with Miss Brittain in Room 11 from 8.00am to 8:30am.

Years 7 and 8 – Tuesday

Years 9 and 10 – Wednesday

Years 11 and 12 – Thursday

Students are asked to come ready with questions they want help with, and to bring their Maths workbook.

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Australian Maths Competition – Nominate Now!

The Australian Maths Competition is a school-based contest suitable for students from lower primary to upper secondary. Entrants in years 3–6 are asked to solve 30 problems in 60 minutes, while those in years 7–12 have 75 minutes to solve more complex problems. The problems get more challenging as the competition progresses, so students of all abilities will be challenged and inspired.

If you would like to participate you have by the end of this week to register. Cost is $6.50 per student.

This is a great way to practice sitting an externally set exam.

Message or see Miss Brittain if you would like to participate ASAP.

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Welcome Back

Kyle Thompson | Principal

Welcome back to all our students and staff for the commencement of Term 3. I trust that all of our families enjoyed having additional time together throughout the break and now return to routine with renewed energy, ready for all that Term 3 will bring.

In addressing our staff at our chapel service to commence the new semester, I reflected on a couple of personal experiences. The first being the onset of winter. Last year, my first winter in Warwick, I remembered walking to my office and enjoying the cold, the crisp air and clear days. This was an experience that was very different to the winters I had previously experienced and I was enjoying the differences. This year, I still enjoy the cold, just not quite as much as the year before…….and I smile as I consider how much I may enjoy this experience next year. However, winter in the Downs is a special time and place and I truly do take the time to appreciate how special this environment is, despite the many challenges we face at present.

My second reflection was on the holiday period. We were extremely lucky to enjoy a family holiday, something we have not been able to do for a period of time due to competing interests, time constraints, work and all other things that can be called ‘life’ getting in the way. This holiday, we as a family recognised, was going to most likely be the last time we were together as a family in this type of setting. So, my 22-year-old, 19-year-old and my wife and I (no ages here) travelled well away from our regular environment and friends to experience a different place. Just the four of us. It was the travelling away from our regular environment that gave me an insight into how valuable this can be in reforming connections and changing the way in which conversations are had between us. Being in a different place gave us all the chance to connect fully with each other, we relied on each other more and were more readily able to focus on our conversations, thoughts and each other. It was great to listen to my girls speak to each other and us and to be able to see their growth as people and their knowledge of things that show us they are not just older but have indeed grown up into solid people. It gave me the chance to speak to them, solely them, and really listen and connect through our activities as well as our conversations.

My reflections on the benefits of our family doing this and moving away from our regular environment lead me to apply these benefits to our educational context at SCOTS PGC. This reinforced to me the advantages of having conversations with our students outside of our regular classroom spaces. These conversations can occur at a sporting event, a music or drama performance, in a paddock working with our cattle or sheep, or indeed on horseback. Our Year 8 students are currently having conversations with each other in a different environment as they experience our outdoor education programme on camp. They will, I am sure be having many conversations with their peers, tutors and staff that will be different than the ones they have in their more comfortable or familiar environments of the classroom or dining hall.

The value in looking for and experiencing different ways in which to form strong connections and relationships between our students, our students and staff, and indeed our parents, should never be underestimated. Nor should the benefits in taking ourselves out of the familiar and into a different experience. These components are essential to learning and something that I believe is at the core of what we continue to do at SCOTS PGC.

As always, at the beginning of a new term, I am excited at the possibilities that will present themselves for our students and I look forward to seeing all they will achieve this term.

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New staff

We are excited and privileged to welcome the following new staff members to the SCOTS PGC community this term.

Mr Andrew Robertson – STEM Teacher

Andrew joins the STEM Faculty after teaching at Catholic and independent schools in Brisbane.  Prior to joining the teaching profession, Andrew worked as a geologist in the gold mining sector.  He has created and implemented a number of innovative units of work designed to help students explore a range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts.

Miss Katelyn Woodbine – Drama and English Teacher

Katelyn comes to us after teaching for two and a half years at Rockhampton State High School as a Drama and English Teacher.  Katelyn is passionate about the role that Drama and performance play in the education of all students and is looking forward to being involved in our 2020 Musical production.

Mrs Lynne Nolan - Year 2 Teacher

Lynne has joined us as a short-term replacement for Mrs Julie Gander while she takes long service leave during Term 3.  Lynne has taught in a number of Catholic and independent schools in Queensland and New South Wales prior to moving to the Stanthorpe area.

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Head of Co-curricular

T3W2 Sport Fixtures

T3W2 Co-curricular Programme

Queensland School Sport 10-19yrs Cross Country Championships

Darling Downs School Sport is playing host to the Queensland School Sport 10-19 years Cross Country and this year SCOTS PGC are proud to have three participants in this event. Ewan McFarland (16 years), Hayley Wainwright (10 years) and Zara Kruger (14 years) will all toe the line in their respective events this Sunday 21 July at the Highfields Sports Park.  We wish each of them the very best in their competition.

 

Senior Athletics Carnival Results

At the end of Term 2 we conducted the College Senior Athletics Carnival in beautiful conditions highly conducive to some great athletics.

Several races on the track were extremely close, and none closer than the Boys Gift that's for sure with a class field stretching our technical resources when it came to a photo finish.

In the Age Championship race the following students achieved Champion and Runner-up accolades...

Age Group          Champion                                           Runner-up

13 years Girl       Alyxis McDonald                               Mackenzie March

13 years Boy       Samuel Wainwright                         Jett Sargood

14 years Girl       Alexandra Rickert                             Millie Groves

14 years Boy       Jed Esson                                             Mitchell Twidale

15 years Girl       Hannah Gordon                                Chloe Wainwright

15 years Boy       Cooper Seng                                      Mackenzie Mayall

16 years Girl       Shona McFarland                             Felicity Sellick

16 years Boy       William Gilmore                               Geoffrey Warren

Open Girl             Amelia Meek                                     Kira Holmes

Open Boy            Daniel McNamara                            Samuel Proudlove

 

In the Senior Girls speciality events Amelia Meek took out the Senior Sprint and 1500m trophies while Kira Holmes was the Field Events Champion. In the Senior boys Sam Proudlove took the 1500m crown, Daniel McNamara was Sprint Champion and Joshua Crow was named Senior Boys Long Distance Aggregate winner.

 

In the battle for Clan supremacy, the tide may be shifting a little away from Leslie's dominance of recent years with a broad array of winners across the trophies on offer. At the end of the day, the students in purple stood tall as the winners of the carnival.

Girls Clan Champion - Leslie

Boys Clan Champion - Cameron

Interclan Relay Champions - Mackay

Interclan Field Events - Leslie

Overall Aggregate Champion Clan - Leslie

As previously stated, the SCOTS Boys Gift was a blanket finish with only the photo finish able to definitively separate the field. Thank goodness for modern technology! The winner of this event was Bailey Harm beating out a classy field with a last gasp lunge at the line.

The girls not to be outdone also had a tight race for much of the journey but it was Phoebe Sellick who prevailed for the third consecutive year edging out the fast finishing cast of thousands.

The season ahead is set to be a busy one.  Our team and representative athletes will be busily preparing for the following events:

12 August            QCIS Athletics in Brisbane - 10-19 years College Team
(Generally first and second in the College events except for the 100m where four members will be required.)

15-16 August     Queensland 10-12 years State Championships in Brisbane (Selected College Athletes)

15 August            Border District Athletics in Warwick - 13-19 years College Team

22 August            Warwick All Schools at Scots PGC - 13-19yrs College Team

29-30 August     Darling Downs 13-19 years Championships in Toowoomba
(Selected College Athletes)

This year we have in excess of 35 students gain Darling Downs qualifiers and I encourage these athletes to get to training next Tuesday to continue their development. These students will be notified over the weekend. Teams and selected Darling Downs qualifiers will be announced next week but those who achieved first and second in all Senior College events can generally expect to be selected for the upcoming events.

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Setting off for the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a special place for SCOTS PGC.  You may recall that last year a group of students and staff toured the remote village of Baesango in the experienced company of the McCarthy family, who have a long standing connection with the Solomon Islands and their people.  After returning from the initial trip and reflecting on how great the total experience was, the College decided to extend an invitation to a wider group of students to share the same experience.

This week a group of fifteen students from Years 10, 11 and 12 set off for the Solomon Islands for the cultural immersion experience of a lifetime.  These students will have the opportunity to see firsthand what ‘village life’ is truly like.  They will be sleeping in grass huts, eating from the land and living without the creature comforts they may take for granted at home in Australia.

Our SCOTS PGC group will spend each day with students from the One One School in the village of Baesango.  This will be drastically different to a normal day here at the College.  Our students have taken ‘care packages’ for each of the island boys and girls.  The packages contain school supplies (books, pens and pencils) and other luxury items that we take for granted as everyday necessities.

We can’t wait to hear all about the experience our students will have and look forward to sharing these stories with our community when they return.

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SCOTS Equestrian excels at QLD State Championships

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the past three weeks our Equestrian team has been very busy! While others may have enjoyed a good break, our riders have not stopped for the last three weeks.  The first weekend of the holidays, we held an Allan Wallen clinic for those interested in campdrafting and competing in the Percentile Cup.  The weekend was very successful and we are looking forward to the next clinic with Kim and Jess Shannon.

We had a large team head to Maryborough for the Interschool Queensland State Championships with all students riding exceptionally well.  Our biggest success at the competition was having two teams in the showjumping competition and winning the State Showjumping School.  Last weekend we had five of our students compete at the Combined Training and Eventing State Championships with some great results.

Throughout the state competitions we had three riders receive their golden ticket which will allow them to compete for Queensland at the 2019 Interschool National Championships held in Sydney over the September school holidays.  These three riders are Chase Naylor who won the 120 cm showjumping class, Georgia Rohde who placed third in the 2* eventing and Sophie Brennan who will compete in the Show Hunter.

The greatest achievement I believe our school received was the Summers and McDougall Families School trophy.  This is a highly regarded accolade which is awarded to the school that demonstrates a high level of sportsmanship and showmanship throughout the year to both teammates and other competitors in addition to showing a helpful attitude.

As the 2019 Equestrian captain I am so very proud of all our riders throughout the state championships.  I look forward to the rest of the season for our equestrian team as we still have many competitions to come.  We all look forward to the term ahead.

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Holiday Sporting Success

Throughout the holiday break a number of our students were out and about representing the College and the wider region at various sporting events.  Here is a brief wrap up of the holiday activities:

Football

Zara Kruger is in her final day of competition today representing Queensland at the National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour.  The Queensland team have finished at the top of the pool with the final scheduled for today.  We look forward to sharing the final results in next week’s edition.  Best of luck Zara!

 

 

Futsal

Bradley Cook, a member of the Australian Youth Futsal side embarked on the team’s first national representative tour of Chile.   What a tremendous honour for Bradley – well done!  The team travelled via Auckland before touching down in Santiago, then onto the final destination of Talca, where all competition games were held.

Hockey

Both Samuel Bourke and Briana Groves travelled to Cairns as part of their respective Darling Downs representative teams to contest the Queensland State Hockey Championships.

Briana played in goal with some brilliant defence throughout the pool games.  Her team placed fourth in the overall competition.

The boys were victorious on all fronts taking out the competition and were named as the Queensland state champions. Samuel has also been selected in the Queensland team to play at the National competition in Bendigo during August.   Congratulations Sam and Briana!

Rugby Union

Willem Wiid and Will Gilmore represented Downs Rugby at the QRU Junior State Championships over the holidays in beautiful conditions at Downlands College. Both boys were solid players for the Downs side. Congratulations to Will and Willem on this accolade and wish them well along with the rest of our lads as they participate in the new Downs Super 6 Schools Rugby competition commencing in Week 3 of Term 3.

 

Rugby League

Ryan Bohm started in the second row for Darling Downs at Carina alongside his Darling Downs team mates to contest the Under 12 Queensland State Championships for schoolboys' rugby league.  Despite being one of the smaller forwards on the paddock, Ryan played an excellent defensive game throughout the week.  He was named Players' Player in the final match against Sunshine Coast.  The team finished fifth out of the twelve representative regions.

 

 

Jack Kenny joined forces with Faith Lutheran College to take part in the Confraternity Shield which was hosted by Shalom College in Bundaberg over the holidays.  Jack quickly adapted to his new surroundings and team mates to have a great carnival.  Playing in second row in the number 12 jersey, Faith Lutheran College were appreciative to have a well accomplished league player in their forward pack.  Well done Jack!

 

[caption id="attachment_5410" align="alignleft" width="215"] Jack Perkins (Year 7)[/caption]

Skiing

[caption id="attachment_5411" align="alignright" width="210"] Max Keable (Year 9)[/caption]

Our resident skiers, Jack Perkins and Max Keable had some great success at Perisher over the holidays at the Northern New South Wales and Queensland Snowsport Championships.  Max received a silver in the moguls and fourth placing in the alpine and ski cross events, while Jack brought home the gold in the mogul and silver in the ski cross and alpine events.  What a fantastic effort boys!

 

 

 

 

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SCOTS PGC Paddock to Plate Tour

The Cattle Club extends an invitation to all SCOTS PGC families who may like to join us for our annual “Paddock to Plate’ tour.  This is a special event on the Cattle Club calendar which promises an authentic experience of how a steak makes it to the plate.

Tour details are as follows:

When:  Friday 26 July and Saturday 27 July

Price:    $10 per person or free for Cattle Club students and their families

Itinerary

Event/Place

Day

Start

Finish

John Dee Abattoir tour Friday 26/7/2019 1:30 pm 3:05 pm
Ascot Angus/Charolais tour Saturday 27/7/2019 8:30 am 10:00 am
Feedlot tour Saturday 27/7/2019 10:30 am 11:30 pm
Cutting up a carcass demonstration/SCOTS PGC Saturday 27/7/2019 12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Beef BBQ and Drinks/SCOTS PGC Saturday 27/7/2019 1:00 pm 2:00 pm
Paraders and Judges Competition/SCOTS PGC Saturday 27/7/2019 2:00 pm 3:00 pm

We will meet at SCOTS PGC Cattle yards at 1:20 pm on the Friday and 8:30am on the Saturday.

Places are limited (only 25 seats available) so please RSVP to Mr Peter Collett by Saturday 20 July 2019.

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P & F Wine and Cheese night

Monday 29th July 2019 - 5.00pm-7.00pm

All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the Wine and Cheese night to welcome our new Head of Junior and Middle Schools, Miss Amy Woodgate.

Hosted by the SCOTS PGC Parents and Friends Association, the evening will be held in the LRC between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity to come and mingle with the wider school community – we hope to see you there!

 

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Reading Reaps Reward

Mrs Christine Peterson | Head of Library Services

Anyone who knows me will be aware I am passionate about the need for children to be read to, regardless of age.   Reading is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have with a child; it is a chance to engage in conversations, learn something new, go on adventures together, visit new worlds or reconnect with old ones from our childhood.

The article below also highlights how reading to children can expand their vocabulary and provide them with skills essential to early reading.  It doesn’t mean the reading to a child should stop when the child can read themselves, all children can benefit from having books read to them.

August is Book Month and to celebrate we have a variety of activities planned to encourage and foster a passion for reading.  Some of these activities include a book fair (Eftpos available as well as cash), book week parade and a family reading night.  We will share more information about these events in the short term future.

A “million word gap” for children who aren’t read to at home

That’s how many fewer words some may hear by kindergarten - From https://news.osu.edu

Young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to, a new study found.

This “million word gap” could be one key in explaining differences in vocabulary and reading development, said Jessica Logan, lead author of the study and assistant professor of educational studies at The Ohio State University.

Even kids who are read only one book a day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who don’t regularly read books with a parent or caregiver.

“Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school,” said Logan, a member of Ohio State’s Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy.

“They are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.”

“This isn’t about everyday communication. The words kids hear in books are going to be much more complex, difficult words than they hear just talking to their parents and others in the home,” she said.

For instance, a children’s book may be about penguins in Antarctica – introducing words and concepts that are unlikely to come up in everyday conversation.

“The words kids hear from books may have special importance in learning to read,” she said.

Logan said the million word gap found in this study is likely to be conservative. Parents will often talk about the book they’re reading with their children or add elements if they have read the story many times.

This “extra-textual” talk will reinforce new vocabulary words that kids are hearing and may introduce even more words.

The results of this study highlight the importance of reading to children.

“Exposure to vocabulary is good for all kids.” That means that reading to all age groups is important to their vocabulary development.

 

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Reporting 2019

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

With the implementation of the new QCE system, we have reviewed the way we report on student progress.  As previously communicated, you will notice a few changes this year (some of which were implemented already in Term 1).  Reporting frequency and layout is now a little different.

For Pastoral Care reports, we have reviewed the ‘affectives’ to provide better feedback on student attitude and behaviour which are aligned with our five values of spirit, tenacity, authenticity, excellence and respect. 

For the Academic reports, we will retain the original ‘affectives’, which rates student performance against a range of academic attitudes and behaviours.  The decision to remain with the original affective measuring system is a result of feedback received from staff, students and parents.

You will receive an Academic report and, if relevant, a boarding report in Week 2 of next term.  This shift in the timeline is to allow for the College to put assessment in the last week of the semester and to allow for parents and carers to have the opportunity to discuss reports with staff promptly.

The outline for reporting in 2019 is below:

Term 1: Pastoral Care report and Parent-Teacher interviews on the last day of term (Friday 5 April)

Term 2: Full Academic and Boarding report

Term 3: Pastoral Care report and Parent-Teacher interviews on the last day of term (Friday 20 September)

Term 4: Full Academic and Boarding report

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the College

SET Plan Interviews

If you are a parent of a Year 10 student you will, over the holidays, receive a letter outlining the SET Plan interviews that will be held on Travel Day, Monday 15 July, and the Year 11 lines for 2020.  These interviews are an important step for students to think about their future and the subject choices for Year 11.  Similar to last year, in the last four weeks of Term Four the Year 10 students will transition into Year 11 classes.   In the new QCE system choosing the right subject early is vital as there is less scope for changing subjects.

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SCOTS PGC takes over Park Run

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

At about 6:30 on Saturday morning, 15 June, the 6th ‘SCOTS Does Park Run’ event whereby all the 7 volunteer roles in this iconic, weekly Warwick community activity are occupied by SCOTS PGC staff, parents and former parents, rumbled into action.  Ably organised by Run Director Karen Welsh, mother of Bradley Cook, Year 12 student, the banners and paraphernalia required to ensure more than 150 runners, walkers and quite a few hounds had a safe and enjoyable 5 km experience were rapidly assembled and laid out to the tuneful notes of SCOTS PGC pipers, Abby Dalziel, Georgie Hackett, Samuel and James Bourke.

Indeed, perhaps those same pipes helped dissipate the early morning mist as the unusually mild winter conditions set the scene for what were to be a host of outstanding SCOTS PGC performances.  On the stroke of 07:00, a very large crowd, dominated by SCOTS PGC boarders and others resplendent in cardinal and green, moved through the starting gate and off on their individual journeys around the park.

Barely 18 minutes later, it was all over, if your name was Ewan McFarland, at least!  Winning for the umpteenth time, in a new PB, Year 10 student, Ewan, has been an inspirational force at Warwick’s Park Run over the last few years and having recently achieved a second placing in the Darling Downs Cross-Country Championships, he has developed into a really dynamic, consistent competitor, pushing for success at State level now.

Other superb runs included PBs for Sam Harvey, Year 10, Samuel Proudlove, Year 12, and Principal’s PA, Carissa Miller; and we witnessed strong, early-season efforts from Derek Naughten, Human Resources Supremo, Janine Thompson, Principal’s wife, Sandy Dalziel, Master of the Pipe Band and Mark Richards, Director of Learning and Innovation and co-owner of Samwise Gamgee, his trusty canine running buddy.

Special mention must be made of the other essential Park Run volunteers:  Willie Liebenberg (on his birthday, no less!)  Helen Bohm, Rob Lang, Simon Edgar, and Park Run debutant, Malcolm Heather.  All in all, there were more than 70 SCOTS PGC representatives among the 150 souls beside the Condamine River, doing their bit to make a healthy, active start to their weekend and share in some wonderful SCOTS PGC spirit, despite the early hour.

Where will YOU be next Saturday at 6:45 am?!

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Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Our Uniform Shop will be closed during the school holidays from Friday 28 June through to Friday 5 July.

It will reopen on the Monday 8 July.

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Business is Booming!

Louise Ratcliffe | Business Teacher

[caption id="attachment_5309" align="alignleft" width="235"] Rose City Shoppingworld Marketing Manager, Jason Gard[/caption]

Rose City Shoppingworld talks leasing with Year 11s

On Tuesday, 18 June, the Year 11 Business class hosted Louise de Lissa, Marketing Manager and Jason Gard, Centre Manager, from Rose City Shoppingworld.

As part of their current assessment task, the Year 11 students are required to come up with a suitable franchise business that could be opened in the local shopping centre, and Louise and Jason shared their knowledge on leasing contracts, benefits of opening a store in the shopping centre, site availability, marketing, customer profiles and costs of running a business.

Students also heard first hand that the skills they are learning in class – SWOT analysis, competitor analysis, strategic planning – do really happen in the real world and not just something mentioned in a textbook!

This was a great opportunity for our budding entrepreneurs, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing the next new business venture in the shopping centre…finance to be approved.

 

 

Mindshop Excellence Program

At the end of next term (Week 10, Term 3) the Year 10 Business students will again be participating in the Mindshop Excellence program - a valuable, real world learning experience!

The Mindshop Excellence program is a structured work place learning program for a small group of students. The students provide the Consulting Team to work in a host organisation, for three days, receiving training by a Mindshop Facilitator and then analysing a real business issue in that organisation.  The highlight of the week is when students present their recommendations to the business management, staff, school representatives and their parents on the last day of the program.

To enable this program to run we are looking for businesses willing to host a group of six students.  If you are interested in participating in this program and would like further information please contact the College’s business teacher, Mrs Louise Ratcliffe, via direqt message or email at [email protected].

 

Photos attached from last year’s program

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Netball Wrap Up

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

On Sunday 9 June, our three teams travelled to Toowoomba for the Inter District Netball Finals. All teams have shown great commitment and dedication to the sport by travelling to numerous carnivals over the past few months. This is the first year SCOTS PGC has entered teams in the competition and all teams and players have benefited significantly from the exposure to high level competition. We were unfortunate that none of our SCOTS PGC teams managed a top three placing in their divisions, however, SCOTS 3 placed a respectable 4th in their division of the Under 12s. Despite this, all the girls remained in high spirits and grateful for the experience.  We celebrated their hard work with a well-deserved McDonalds run.

Over the past two weeks, SCOTS 1 and SCOTS 2 have continued to perform well in the Warwick Senior Ladies Competition. Last week Scots 2 went down to Mumbas, 24-18, however, fought hard to take out a win of 24-22 over Rascals this week. SCOTS 1 has continued to dominate C grade. Last week they faced Strikers, taking out a convincing win of 36-19. Increasing their winning streak to 9 games in a row, SCOTS 1 had another great game against Stylistics this week, winning by a margin of 25 points.

Both teams have played strongly throughout the term and are improving as finals come closer. Fixtures will continue next week; however only SCOTS 1 will be playing due to a lack of numbers due to our early finish to the term. Two weeks’ break will be given until we commence again on the 16th of July.

We look forward to seeing you all on the court again next term.

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With a Song and a Dance

Kyle Thompson |Principal

The term feels like it has ended with a crescendo rather than a gradual petering out of activity. The last couple of weeks has seen choral performances at the Stanthorpe Eisteddfod, where our students not only looked the part but sang beautifully to receive a number of awards and recognition. We have had the Winter Performing Arts Concert with 58 different performances covering speech and drama, vocals, instrumental pieces and, of course, the public debut of our rock band featuring students and staff. The Pipes and Drums continue to play, having held their concert in Tenterfield and also being represented at Park Run (also run by SCOTS PGC) last week. Girls boarding held a most special morning for the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, which was fantastically supported by students, staff and parents. This service initiative raised in excess of $1200 and is a great reflection of the strengthening service culture at SCOTS. In reflecting on this it is pleasing to note the resurgence of the Arts and of music into the fabric of what we offer here at our school and the many benefits associated with these activities.

At the same time, our sports programmes continue to develop and our cross country, track and field, rugby (boys and girls), hockey, tennis and netball continue to provide opportunities for our boys and girls to grow, develop and have fun.

Throw into this mix academic assessment and examinations, reporting, and our general classroom activities and it certainly has been a busy term for one and all.

Next term the College will see the following staff changes:

Mr Simon Edgar leaves us to take on the Head of Junior School role at A B Paterson College. Ms Amy Woodgate has accepted the position of Head of Junior and Middle Schools, joining us from Somerville House in Brisbane.

Mrs Julie Gander is on long service leave next term. We welcome Ms Lynne Nolan to our Junior School and Year 2 for the term. Lynne has worked at a number of excellent Primary schools in Brisbane and Sydney and also holds a Masters qualification in Educational Psychology.

Ms Wendy Watkins has resigned from her position as mathematics teacher and Miss Danni-elle Reading is also leaving the College to take on new challenges. I thank our departing staff for the positive impact they have had on students here at SCOTS and for their commitment and efforts inside and outside of the classrooms.

Mr Andrew Robertson is joining the College as our new STEM teacher and will assume a significant role in mathematics. He joins us having worked in Brisbane based independent and Catholic schools and recently purchasing property in the region.

The next P & F meeting is scheduled for Monday 15 July. At this meeting there will be an opportunity to meet Ms Woodgate and for her to share a little about her experience and her vision for SCOTS PGC’s Middle and Junior Schools. There will be more information shared through our Parents and Friends.

Once again, at the conclusion to the term, I thank all our students and their families for their support of our school and for their contributions to our community. I would also acknowledge the efforts of all our staff as we continue to strive to make SCOTS PGC the best it can be for the benefit of all our students. I trust that all of the SCOTS family will have a safe, rewarding and re-energising break.

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Farm Safety Calendar Competition

Gloria Matthews from the Workplace Healthy & Safety Department of QLD Government has dropped in some information regarding the Farm Safety Calendar Competition for 2019. Please see below the link to a webpage which has more info. This competition is for students in Primary School only.

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/farm-safety-calendar-competition/teacher-and-parent-resource

The safety messages students may base their drawing on:

  • Look out for machinery and vehicles because the driver may not see you.
  • Quad bikes are a great tool, but they are not a toy. Ride ready – wear a helmet, never double, kids only use a kid-sized bike, get training, and ride on well-known tracks.
  • Look up and live – power lines and machinery don’t mix.
  • Be sun safe! Wear a hat, sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt when working in the sun. And don’t forget to drink water and have rest breaks.
  • Dams and waterways are dangerous places on farms. Stay away unless you have an adult with you.
  • A fenced yard for young kids and toddlers to play in will keep them away from many farm dangers.

Entries must be received by 5pm Friday 28 June 2019. Winners will be announced in September, and the calendar will be available from October. As the deadline is during school holidays, I am happy for students to drop their artwork into me at Reception during the break and I will send them all off in time.

The template can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

Mrs Clare Cartmill
College Receptionist

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Defence STEM Careers and Schoolies.com visits

This week we have been lucky enough to have two very different but equally interesting presentations made available to our Year 10, 11 and 12 students.

On Monday a group of students attended a presentation by a team from Australian Defence Force Recruiting. It was a great opportunity for students who are interested in science, trades, engineering or mathematics to be able to have a more in depth talk about possible career pathways with real life professionals.

Students were presented with some very valuable and thought provoking information about the wide variety of STEM related jobs and trade opportunities that are available within the Defence Force. And with “all things STEM” being such a huge area of growth at the moment it was astounding to learn about the number of STEM related jobs that are available within the Defence Force, at both Officer and General Entry levels.

On Tuesday a representative from Schoolies.com made the long trek over the mountain ranges from the Gold Coast to speak with our Year 11 and 12 cohorts about the popular leaving celebration, commonly known as ‘Schoolies’.

The presentation was designed to provide the students with information about exactly what Schoolies.com offers School Leavers as well as to debunk some common misconceptions and to provide education around Mental Health and their partner support services that are available to students during this time.

Schoolies.com works closely with a range of local and state government organisation, emergency services and volunteers across all of their 17 destinations, as well as with support services such as Red Frogs.

For more information or to register for you Schoolies.com experience, please go to https://www.schoolies.com/register.

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Angus Bull for Sale

SCOTS PGC NED KELLY N3 $7000

This extremely powerful, thick set bull has outstanding EBV’s for both growth and carcass traits. He will add profitability to any breeding programme.

SCOTS PGC NUGGET N7 $4000

 

This well balanced bull was part of our 2016/17 embryo transfer program. His progeny will suit a range of markets making him very good value for money.

For any enquires contact Mr Peter Collett on Ph:0405284070. Please note that if either of these bulls do not sell before next week they will be sold on Auctions Plus.

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the weekend, we had a three of our students travel to the Nambour Show to get some show jumping practice in before the upcoming State Championships. The three students rode exceptionally well and showed great improvement over the three days. We also had 8 of our riders compete at the Cambooya/Clifton State High School horse sports day with great success. With only just over 2 weeks until the State Championships we are all busily preparing to have a great event.   We’re looking forward to good break afterwards before school starts up for term three.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Darling Downs 10-12 years Track and Field Championships

Last Monday the Darling Downs 10-12 years Track and Field were held at Harristown High School where eight of our JAM students were in action. The following students were selected after medalling in their events across the day.

Riley Wainwright - bronze in Long Jump and bronze in the Combined Event

Hayley Wainwright - gold in Long Jump, Gold in the Combined Event, silver in the 800m

Tanner Henley - 3rd in Shot Put and 4th in Discus

Bailey Harm - 2nd in High Jump

Ellyse Kruger - 2nd in Discus, 6th in Shot Put

Nicholas Denny - 3rd in Shot Put, 1st in 100m, 200m, Long Jump, - Nicholas was also named Champion Athlete of the Carnival for his performances.

Other students who attended for the first time included Scott Wainwright and Colby Miller who both performed to their best ability and we congratulate them on this their first appearance at the regional level. I am sure we will see them there again.

Congratulations to all of our students on their efforts and wish the six selected athletes in the Darling Downs Teams the very best for the State Championships in Brisbane early next term.

 

Super 6 Rugby Competition

Well, it has finally been resolved and a new school based rugby union competition will kick off in Term 3 2019.

The Darling Downs Super 6 Competition will kick off in Week 3 of Term 3 and run for 6 weeks including the final. Games will be played on Wednesday afternoon/evening either at home or away grounds in Warwick or Toowoomba. The competition will be run in Under 13, Under 15 and Open Divisions for boys. Finals will be played in Week 8 of Term 3. This is a new competition and set to hopefully open dialogue for further fixtures in various sports in the future. More to come, but training will resume on Tuesday 16 July as we have a trial game against Matthew Flinders on 20 July.

This will give us 9 games for Term 3 and may be the catalyst for the development of other sports through the gathered group of schools. More details to come but the start date will be a gala at Highfields as will the finals date to maximise participation and allow all schools to be highlighted as a member of this new group.

 

Southern Downs 10-12 years Cricket Trials

The Southern Downs 10-12yrs Girls and Boys Cricket Trials are coming up early in August and I am currently calling expressions of interest from students who have some experience in this sport. Nominations close with me on 23 July and if necessary we will have a trial on Wednesday 24 July to select the most talented to attend.

 

Semester 1 Wrap Up!

That wraps up a busy first semester of sport and I thank all participants and supporters who have made the journey such a successful one with 36 Darling Downs Regional Selections over 17 different sports and significant success in Futsal and Equestrian where State selections have been significant in number. We wish our Equestrian participants all the best at their competition over the coming holidays and look forward to hearing of their continued success at the start of Term 3. Bailey Harm heads to the National Schools Swimming Championship in early Term 3 and our Cross Country and Orienteering Representatives will be busy over the holidays in their final preparations for their State Championships in the first two weeks of Term 3 also. Busy times are ahead so please enjoy your break and come back energised and keen for what the new term holds.

Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday with family.

 

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This month on SchoolTV – Positive Parenting

Despite the best efforts of parents around the world, the reality is, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect parent’. However, arming yourself with the right information is a good start!

Research shows, that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. With the mental health of today’s young people being at an all-time low, it is simply not enough to parent effectively. Parents need to familiarise themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children.

Many parents today are over-protective, resulting in children being less independent, unable to problem-solve or self-regulate. Parents are failing to set clear boundaries, which is unfortunately making kids feel less secure. There is too much pressure on kids today. Parents fill their days with too many activities in an effort to avoid their child’s boredom.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn what is the best approach for primary and secondary school aged children. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition - https://scotspgc.schooltv.me/newsletter/positive-parenting

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Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is here!

Tomorrow morning, Saturday 15 June, we will be hosting our very own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at the Locke St Campus (Girls Boarding).

Kicking off at 9:00 am, guests will be treated to a morning of entertainment, prizes and the best morning tea imaginable – all of which is covered in the $2 entry fee.

Proceeds from our morning tea will be used to help the Cancer Council raise the much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programmes and advocacy.

Mrs Fairleigh and her band of merry helpers are very excited to host a great morning.  We look forward to seeing you all there – don’t forget to bring your gold coins which will be donated to a very worthy cause.

The College has set up a donation page via the Cancer Council for those wishing to make an online donation https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=1276512

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Introducing our College Counsellor – Nigel Sullivan

The College is very fortunate that Nigel Sullivan has agreed to take on the role of College Counsellor after several successful years as Head of Science.  Nigel will continue to be a key player in the Science faculty, but now devotes even more of his time to another area of significant expertise, and passion, namely helping young people enhance their mental health and well-being.  Nigel meets students daily, sometimes for just an informal catch-up, and at other times, to help support a young person in a time of crisis.  Nigel works extremely closely with Rev. Willie, who still shares some of the counselling load, and together they make a really ‘Dynamic Duo!’

Nigel was asked to write a few lines about his journey to this stage of his career, and how he views the challenges and rewards of his new role:

When asked the awkward, but well-meaning question from inquisitive adults ‘what do you want to be when you finish school’ I would often answer Engineer, Teacher or Psychologist. I have always had a natural interest and inclination towards Mathematics and Science and so for me the logical extension of these subjects was Engineering. However, about halfway through my degree, I was having doubts as to whether I actually wanted to work in the profession.

After graduating, I began my working life as a Hydraulic Engineer in the private sector. Followed by two public sector positions in Transport and Structural engineering and in my last foray in the profession, working for an engineering consultancy in Warwick. Between these positions, I obtained my Education qualifications from the University of Queensland and began teaching almost 20 years ago, feeling that I had finally found my calling in life.

Another keen interest of mine is the mysterious entity we call mind, particularly the factors that drive human behaviour. So, true to my original set of aspirations, while working full-time in a previous school, I studied Psychology part-time externally, graduating from the University of Southern Queensland with a degree in Psychology. I had intended for counselling to be my retirement occupation; however, a clientele had organically grown around me and last year I was asked if I would be interested in taking up a formal role as a College Counsellor.

One of the most rewarding and privileged aspects of being a teacher is to be part of the overall development of young people, particularly personality and character. I hold the strong conviction that one of the greatest gifts to offer another is education. Education of the person, before the scholar, since the foundation on which every other attribute rests is character. It supports one in the darkest of times and is at the heart of every triumph of the spirit.

It is harder than ever negotiating teenage hood, amid the convergence of modern pressures and the disintegration of traditional family structures. With one in four young Australians currently experiencing a mental health condition, the need for guidance through this milieu is vital for our youth to emerge on the other side as well functioning adults, both aware of the wider world and their place in it.

 

 

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Year 10 SET Plan Update

Mr Peter Pickering | Careers Guidance Counsellor

This week saw the culmination of the documenting phase of the SET Plan process for the Year 10 cohort whereby they were required to complete their SET Plan Career Summary.

A letter, a copy of the student’s SET Plan summary and the Subject Selection Lines for Year 11, 2020 and other relevant information will be emailed home to all Year 10 parents at the start of the school holidays.  The SET Plan Summary provides a “Snap Shot” view of the individual students in terms of who they are, what their strengths and weaknesses are and their academic ability up to this point.

The signing off of the SET Plan will take place during an interview with all parties of the SET Plan process on Monday 15 July, which is Travel Day Term 3.  Parents will be asked to book an interview time using the on-line booking system on the College’s website during the holidays.  If you are unable to make an interview on this day, please contact Peter Pickering on 07 46669823 after Monday 15 July to organise an alternate interview time or a phone interview.

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The equestrian team had a very quiet weekend, with a few team members taking part in individual coaching lessons outside of school.  We are using the downtime to continue our preparations for the State Championships which will be held on the second week of holidays.  A big thank you to David Finch, a specialist coach who has visited the College to provide individual lessons – everyone has really loved it and are very appreciative of your time.

Best of luck to the students travelling down to Nambour this weekend to compete at the show.

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Farewell to Mr Edgar

Photo: The Edgar family pictured in 2016 when they first arrived at the College.

What has been SO SPECIAL about SCOTS PGC College?

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle School

As I approach the last week of my time here at the College I was asked to reflect on my experience which seemed to be a fitting topic for my last feature newsletter article.

My family and I arrived in April 2016 and were greeted by a significant drop in temperature from the sunny shores of Perth in Western Australia. However, the cold weather was quickly offset by the community warmth in welcoming my family and I to the College.  We were quite overwhelmed with just how friendly and inviting the place was and could see straight away that we had entered a school with spirit and character – a culture created by the students, staff and parents.  It was this quality that struck a chord with our family and is something we will all hold close to our hearts.

The first significant event which occurred soon after our arrival was the SCOTS PGC College annual ANZAC Dawn service which takes place each year in April. Well, what a way to be introduced to the true culture of SCOTS PGC College! Pipers and drummers appeared out of the misty gates which guard the entrance on the way to the College cenotaph from Oxenham Street. We could smell the dew covered grass and feel the goose bumps rise on our skin – chilled due to the sheer significance of the Pipe Band - and maybe also the cold which we were not accustomed to!  We were completely awed by the generations who supported this community event and the students that respectfully conducted such a fitting tribute to the College’s fallen service men and women.  At that time, I thought to myself – now that is what culture is built on!

In the years that followed our own children experienced the unique opportunities offered by SCOTS PGC College.   This included a plethora of sporting opportunities from cricket, netball, touch and rugby to speech and drama just to name a few. As an independent school, SCOTS PGC College truly delivers on the three major focus areas for students – academic, student wellbeing and co-curricular activities. The opportunities that our students have here is absolutely astounding and well in excess of the school from which I came from - and that school had almost 600 students in the primary section alone!

In my time here there has been significant areas of focus which have benefited each and every student. We have seen considerable improvement in student academic results and one of the most important aspects of this is ‘growth of time’ which is attributed to data informed teaching and learning practices implemented by the high quality teaching staff and their professionalism in striving for excellence. A significant factor of student academic improvement has been the focus on individualising student learning as much as possible. The implementation of a College wide student wellbeing programme has had a profound effect on ensuring that we continue to be at the forefront of catering for our students wellbeing needs. This programme is far reaching and encompasses both ‘tried and tested’ as well as contemporary resources for teachers and parents to utilise.

We have extremely fond memories of this great College which will live on forever. It is very unique, and in a special way that I have never experienced before – where else can one see steers run through the school yard or a horse be invited to assembly?

Goodbye and God bless

Simon, Natalie, Macey, Sachin and Shelby.         

 

 

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T2W9 Co-curricular Programme

T2W9 Sport Fixtures

Main photo: Congratulations to Holly Naughten (Year 10), Bridget Hardy (Year 8) and Alexandra Rickert (Year 9) who competed at the Inter-district Netball Carnival on the weekend. More details are below!

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

As we approach the end of another week and look toward the completion of Term 2, our activities schedule also begins to slow down and the College will celebrate the term’s end with the Senior Athletics Carnival.

Here is a brief wrap up of what has been happening the co-curricular space as well as some guidelines for what has been happening next week.

Darling Downs 12yrs Rugby Union Trials

On Sunday and Monday this week Tama-iti Saxton from Year 6 and George Handley of Year 7 attended the Darling Downs 12 years Rugby Union Trials in Toowoomba. George unfortunately faced stiff opposition for his position and did not make it through to the Possibles and Probables phase on Monday.

Tama-iti did make it through to the Monday final selections where he shone amongst his peers and was ultimately successful in gaining a spot on the Darling Downs Schoolboys 12 years’ team for the State Championships in Townsville from 1-4 August. We congratulate Tama-iti on this achievement and wish him the very best for the State Championships.

 

Inter-District Netball

The Inter-district netball competition finished up over the weekend with some wonderful achievements celebrated by our netball teams.  We will have a full wrap up in next week’s edition, but for now we’d like to extend our congratulations to every netballer who participated throughout the season.  We have included a photo of three SCOTS PGC girls – Holly Naughten, Bridget Hardy and Alexandra Rickert - Holly’s team was Runner Up in the Under 16 Div 1 while Bridget and Alexandra’s team won the Under 14 Div 1, going through the season undefeated. Bridget was also awarded Under 14 centre court player of the final.

 

Senior Athletics Carnival Organisation

Next week the 17-21 June we will be conducting our annual SCOTS PGC Senior Athletics Carnival. The full programme was distributed to all families, students and staff on Tuesday 11 June via SEQTA.

Please be advised of the following arrangements for the 2 days with regards to administration.  The carnival is a great opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate our College and our Clans and all students are expected to attend and support your respective clan and team mates. Participation in at least two track and two field events is expected from each clansman or clanswoman.

The fields, start lists and all live results for each event are available at the following link on the College website.

https://sites.google.com/a/scotspgc.com.au/senior-athletics-carnival/

Events will proceed on time as much as possible with track events taking precedence over field for the smooth conduct of the carnival. All efforts have been made to avoid age group clashes or have been designed to have minimal impact if all goes to time. Please see the programme for full Rules of Competition.

12-year-old students in Year 7 will be allocated to act as officials with teaching staff at all field events. The allocation of these will be notified on Monday in class. These students may wear their Clan or Sports uniform.

What to Wear/Bring:

Students will attend the College Carnival on Thursday and Friday in their Clan sports shirt and sports shorts. All should bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. With the weather being variable at this time of the year I strongly recommend full college track suit also be on their packing list each day.

What is happening:

Monday 17 June - Students competing in the 3000m may get changed into sports uniform at morning tea then at the conclusion of Period 4 will head directly down to Briggs Oval for the 3000m event. Students will be given time to warm up and lunch will be held for those involved post event.

Tuesday 18 June – Students competing in the 1500m will make their way to Briggs Oval at the conclusion of the school day where they will be given time to warm-up prior to the conduct of the 1500m Events commencing at 3.40pm. There will be no other Athletics Training on this day.

Thursday 20 June – Students make their way to Briggs Oval where they will have morning tea and assemble in their Clan area for roll call which will be followed by a briefing, before the start of the first events at approximately 11.15am.  We will use this opportunity to take a photo of the whole College in the Briggs Oval grandstand before events commence.

Lunch will be served for the Senior School via the P&F Building on this day from 12.45-1.15pm.

At the conclusion of Day 1 students will depart for buses etc. There will be no other Athletics Training on this day.

Friday 21 June – Students will assemble for Tutor Group at the normal time of 8.40am for roll call then, under the direction and supervision of their Tutor, make their way to Briggs Oval for the commencement of the first events at 9.00am.

Morning tea and Lunch will be provided for all students via the P&F Building from 10.20-10.40am and then from 12.30-1.15pm.

The College Gift will be held at approximately 2.20pm. Students from the Junior and Middle School involved in the Gift will be escorted down to Briggs Oval at 1.50pm by Mr Edgar and will prepare for this event under his supervision before the Gift itself at 2.20pm.

At the conclusion of the day every effort will be made to make the presentations to all award winners. However, if time defeats us we will make these presentations on the first available assembly in Term 3 and all awardees parents will be informed accordingly.

We look forward to seeing as many students and parents as possible at this event.

 

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Year 11 Geography stops by Southern Downs Regional Council

Year 11 Geography students took the opportunity this week to visit the SDRC to discuss issues involving challenges for rural shires and the influences of population change and climate impacts.

The students listened to Mrs Jane Stroud - Director of Environment and Planning Services, who outlined the challenges that the SDRC encounters regarding water, waste and planning. The students were able to see how the SDRC deals with many competing challenges within the region and the interplay of State and Federal Governments on council operations.

Lengthy discussion also occurred with Mr Keiran Locke, who is the SDRC’s town planner, regarding the planning needs of the shire and the pathway from the classroom to becoming a town planner. The students gained a great deal from the discussions and appreciated the time taken by the SDRC staff to chat with them on matters directly related to their studies.

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USQ STEM Inspiration Day for Years 8 and 9

Angela Brittain | Head of STEM

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) is part of everyday life and an increasing part of every workplace. STEM education enables students to develop solutions to complex problems and provides them with literacies and capabilities that will help them succeed in a world of technological change.

Last week we were able to provide eighteen of our Year 8 and 9 students with the opportunity to visit the USQ Toowoomba campus for a STEM Inspiration Day which was designed to stimulate interest in areas of study related to science, technology, engineering and maths.  Our students chose from a variety of instructor led sessions and hands on workshops which covered Nursing, Astronomy, Physics, Mechanical and Environmental Engineering, 3D Printing, Food Technology and Psychology and Counselling.

Students were encouraged to think about actions that they enjoy, like meeting new people, or being creative, or solving problems, and then look for careers that allow for those actions to occur.  It was great to see our students excited about the different opportunities in STEM.

STEM education in 2019 has expanded further at SCOTS PGC College and is now explicitly taught or integrated into the curriculum in Prep to Year 8 and is an elective in Year 9 and 10.

 

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Community Notice Board

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Containers for Change – Warwick Depot Now Open!

The Hird family have just opened Warwick's first Containers for Change depot!

The depot is located at 119 McEvoy Street, Warwick QLD 4370

 

 

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Simplicity is Genius

David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

If you are a regular reader of our Newsletter’s weekly feature article, usually penned by a member of the College Executive, you may have noticed that as often as not, a famous quote is used in the opening paragraph and then typically a story follows that has a strong link to a current issue, or upcoming event.

Far be it from me to divert dramatically from that tried and tested formula; so I will begin by asking if you happened to be watching the UEFA Champions’ League Final on TV at about 07:00 on Sunday morning as the final whistle blew and Liverpool Football Club defeated fellow English Premier League team, Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, to be crowned Europe’s best team for the first time since 2005 (and the 6th time in their long and illustrious history?).  Perhaps not?

Apparently more than 420 million people around the world did, so I was in good company, and in my case that meant being magnificently hosted by one of Liverpool’s most ardent supporters, and a very congenial SCOTS PGC parent, Paul Swift (father of Patrick, Year 11 and Hamish, Year 8).  It was a great occasion, even with a 04:15 alarm clock, for a 05:00 kick-off.  However, I was, in the euphoria of the victory, reminded about a concept, as much as a quote, sometimes attributed to Liverpool’s most successful manager, Bill Shankly (1913-1981; born in Ayrshire, Scotland) that fits with the more educational theme of this missive, namely:

‘Simplicity is genius’.

How often have the great leaps forward in design and technology been based on innovations that were such simple ideas, that just happened to fit a particular need?  Bill Shankly’s coaching style, delivering successful, league championship winning football, was just about passing a ball and moving to where someone might actually pass it back to you.  Simple.  And in a similar, if less high profile way, a new so-called mental health first aid kit seems to fit this principle.  Coincidentally, the common thread is the word, pass!

With exams rapidly approaching for most of our Year 8-12 students, I read with interest a story on the BBC website about Tina Chan, a bright and ambitious young woman who had been a high achiever at high school in Ontario, Canada, but who found the pressure of the final year, and subsequently her first year at the University of Waterloo, all became a bit too much for her.  Tina began to suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and was eventually diagnosed with depression; but sought help and has recovered to thrive once again in the academic realm.

Not only is Tina achieving great things as an undergraduate, she has designed and overseen the manufacture, sale and distribution of a small, mental health first aid kit that she considers contains just the right sort of materials to help hard working, committed but probably quite stressed final year school and university undergraduate students cope with their challenges.

For a few more details, click on the link below for a 2-minute video clip, narrated by Tina herself:

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-48015873/university-student-creates-first-aid-kit-for-mental-health

Tina named her simple, but ingenious idea a ‘PASS kit’; the acronym representing Panic, Anxiety and Stress Support.  Each neatly-boxed kit has really important, concise tips to keep a determined student safely on a healthy track to study success, including little flash cards that ask questions such as, ‘Are you drinking enough water?’ or ‘When did you last eat?’  The intention is to heighten a young person’s awareness of their well-being and ensure they are operating in the best possible environment for effective, sustainable and mentally safe study.

Practical items include a squeezable rubber stress-relieving star (who could resist?) ear plugs to minimise distracting noise, chewing gum (proven to help increase blood flow to the brain – ask renowned Australian psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg) and a Qantas-style black eye mask to aid deep, refreshing and restorative sleep when the time comes to take a proper break.

While many of our Senior School students have exams in the coming fortnight, there’s no doubt that Year 12s in the OP stream have the loftiest mountains to climb, with impending internal College exams and also the formidable 7 hour QCS tests, both the trial version in June and the real deal in the first few days of September to conquer.  So, the College has invested in this group of students by ordering a set of Tina’s PASS kits, despatched to us all the way from Ontario.  The large cardboard box included a lovely personal message of greetings and good luck from Tina herself, and the PASS kits will be handed out to the OP students this week.

We hope that our students benefit from Tina’s experiences, ingenuity and generosity of spirit.  While she may never attain the legendary status that Bill Shankly occupies in the world of professional football, her ability to identify a need and match it with an effective solution would surely have impressed the redoubtable Scot.

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Equestrian News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the weekend riders, Madeleine Keddy and Georgia Rohde competed at Burpengary One Day Event. Both did an exceptional job on the day with Madeleine placing fifth in the junior 95cm and Georgia placing first in the Junior CCN1* and second in the CCN2*.

Our whole team is now in preparation for the State Championships which are set to take place over the mid-year holidays in Maryborough.  Best of luck to all of our riders.

 

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Why HPE and Sport is so Important?

Tom Bradbury – B.Ed. Level IV Track and Field Coach

A few weeks back, Mr Thompson stole my thunder with reference to an article on why parents spent so much money on junior sport. The article went on to espouse the virtues of participation in physical activity that extend well beyond the simple physical benefits.

These are all true and correct and in a recent article, I read there is an emerging body of work that indicates physical activity can improve GPA for university students and may also reduce drop out rates. Research also suggests that exercise habits picked up from adolescence and through college tend to stick with people for life. The following pictogram outlines 15 of the life lessons that can be learnt from participation in sports

As a teacher and coach, of several different sports, for over 25 years, I can attest to these benefits from several levels and perspectives. Over this time I have seen it all, and the benefits of sport certainly do transfer into tangible life skills, interpersonal skills and personal qualities. But we must remember that participation in sport and physical education alone will not automatically guarantee the positive outcomes that can be garnered from this type of participation.

The positive effects of sports participation can only be guaranteed through positive role-modelling from coaches and parents on a continual basis. The most successful athletes I have ever worked with have had what I call the 'Full Package'. These athletes include 5 students who achieved scholarships to the USA and one of whom has subsequently gone on to represent Australia at World Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Rio Olympics.

The 'Full Package' I refer to includes, but is not limited to, the following qualities and influences from within and on the young athlete during their formative years.

Personal qualities - physical ability, coach ability, open-mindedness, tenacity, resilience, patience, growth mindset and growth and development.

External Influences – a supportive family, practical and pragmatic parents, competent and patient coaching, setting realistic expectations, injuries, friends and societal paradigms.

All of these factors and so much more have to be negotiated before an elite athlete is created and even then there is no guarantee of Olympic Gold.

The reality of sport participation in Australia is that too many parents and even associations see the potential dollar signs for their child or athlete at the end of the day at way too young an age, and have unrealistic expectations.

The reality is that there are just 9000 people in this country making a living from directly playing their chosen sport. Our fascination and fixation on children having high level success at a young age, and this predetermination of sporting prowess into adulthood is a complete fallacy.

The reality is that most of our Olympians come to their elite sports after years of participation in multiple sports. All current literature points to students / young athletes developing their physical literacy through participation in multiple sports offered across a wide spectrum of skills and is highlighted in the attached pictogram.

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Plastic Doesn’t Grow on Trees

Carmen O’Grady | Art Teacher

A group of 36 Visual Arts and Creative Industries students walked down to Warwick’s CBD to visit the local art gallery last Wednesday, 29 May.

On display was an exhibition by the artist Mary Elizabeth Barron who created an installation work completely out of recycled materials. Barron quizzed the students asking them to name a few examples of packaging used. Most answered plastic bags, but little did they realise how plastic packaging had become a part of our everyday routine.

Barron took them through her installation work, which portrayed a natural landscape; only it was made solely out of plastic materials. The students learnt about the practicalities of installing an artwork like this, about how each piece had to be ‘flat pack’ designed for transport, how branches of large trees could be slotted together, to the little hidden vials filled with sand to help keep top-heavy pieces stand on their own. Students learnt about the mechanics behind setting up an installation within a gallery space, positioning lights, making sure a variety of height and depth is created, through to the safety considerations of ensuring hanging and freestanding pieces were sturdy and were carefully positioned out of walkways.

Students watched a video on how Barron created each of the pieces within the landscape and how it was set up; they were astonished at the hours the artist had put not only into creating the work but documenting plan sketches to install the work and taking photographs of the piece for exhibition proposal and funding purposes. They found out how an artist makes money from an unconventional work that cannot be sold and then they finally got to do what they had been waiting for all day - they were then given a chance to create their own plastic pieces out of recycled plastic.

Barron gave the students demonstrations on various weaving techniques, and they were then set free to create whatever they imagined.

The students arrived back at school with plenty of food for thought around environmental issues, the importance of recycling and an awareness of just how much plastic they use in their everyday lives because after all, plastic doesn’t grow on trees.

 

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Year 5 Lights up Science

Mr Peter Campbell | Year 5 Teacher

Our Year 5 class have been studying ‘Light’ during this term. We have been working with light boxes, mirrors and prisms to explore the properties of light.  Students constructed Newton Colour Wheels and experimented with different types of string and twine to make their disc spin at high speed. We had mixed success and eventually came up with a technique to maximise the speed of our spinning wheel. Mr Campbell then showed off by attaching his wheel to a power drill and achieving maximum speed.

Our studies have also involved the construction of our own periscopes using small mirrors, boxes and plenty of tape. We were very pleased with the results we achieved and some of us used our own mirrors so we can take them home to play with.

We’ve also visited interactive web pages that allowed us to manipulate virtual mirrors in a rainforest and also inside a Pyramid. We had to get the mirrors at the correct angle to reflect the light on different animals and to get sunlight inside the pyramid. We visited another site that allowed us to manipulate shadows and examine how light could be blocked to make different animal shapes.

We also made a pinhole camera and visited the Science Lab where Mrs Goonan turned on a Bunsen Burner so we could watch the flame waving around upside down through the camera.

Our science studies have been very enlightening this term for all Year 5s!

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Border District Eisteddfod

The College was represented in the Border District Eisteddfod in Stanthorpe by three instrumental groups and our two College Choirs. All the students performed beautifully and were a credit to the College.

Although in some sections there were limited entries, the instrumental groups received two highly commended certificates and a first place.  The Choirs were also successful with four firsts, a second and a highly commended.

A stand out for the day was the Choirs’ performances in the choral contest. This is the section where the students sing two contrasting pieces which showcase choral diversity. The JAM Choir won their section with a beautiful rendition of A Million Dreams and Try Everything. The Senior Choir’s Homeward Bound and Mary Had a Little Blues received the highest choral mark of the day and they were awarded the Choral Championship Trophy.

The adjudicator was particularly impressed with the work of our two senior students, Holly Naughten and Hannah Myer who conducted the JAM Choir.

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Cattle Needing Agistment

The College is seeking assistance for anyone who may be able to agist nine of the College's stud Angus cows (or part thereof). This will be for a timeframe of approximately 2 -5 months and payment of $12 a head is being offered. If anyone can help, please ring Peter Collett on 0405 284 070.

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Farmfest Success

The Year 11 Certificate III in Agriculture class braved the extreme cold to show the College’s led steers and heifers as part of their certificate coarse at this year’s Farmfest.

Arriving on the Monday afternoon the 17 students soon had the six head of cattle off the truck, over the scales, fed, watered and settled into their stalls for the night. The classes attention then turned to setting camp in the middle of a very windy and cold paddock at the Farmfest grounds. Thank goodness for the fire pit and ironbark timber we brought along with us as we would have frozen otherwise.

An early start on Tuesday saw students rise to a heavy layer of frost all over their swags. The towel left on the windscreen of the bus would have been better used as a table than a towel, it was frozen solid. The cattle were washed, blow dried and made to look pretty for their class. All the steers and heifers made the final judges line up in each of their class with SCOTS PGC John Deere placing second in the 2nd class of the day.

The afternoon the commencement of the junior judge's completion with a strong field of over a hundred competitors from several schools. Zachariah McKechnie took out the 12-18 years Judging and then went on the win the overall Judge of the day against the 19-25 years age group. Well done to Zachariah and all the students that represented the College with pride at a very cold 2019 Farmfest.

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Girls Boarding Update

Mrs Chemane Fairleigh | Head of Girls Boarding

It has been a wonderful term and a half over at Locke Street! Over this time the girls and staff have collaborated effectively to establish a boarding house environment where we promote positive relationships and an interest in the world around us.  Our girls have made new friendships, engaged in many weekend activities and also tried their hand at interior designing!

Technology Free Time

One Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the boarders enjoy a technology free hour whereby all girls from Grade 7 – Grade 12 come together to get involved in a House based activity. So far this term we have been focused on a Grade Art competition.  Each grade has been given a canvas on which they need to work together to design and create a spectacular image that represents them all.  They are only allowed to use College colours in paint plus any other materials they can find to make their creation unique and aesthetically pleasing.  Each grade will be judged not only on their final design but also on the journey of working together, negotiating ideas, cooperating and organising themselves to meet the deadline which is at the end of Term 2.

Each piece will be displayed in the House and it is hoped this will become an annual competition for all girls to participate in.

In addition to this competition, the girls have had the opportunity to paint terracotta pots.  Initially this was introduced as a beautiful gift for Mother’s Day, however, the paints and brushes have continued to inspire the girls to create some of the most amazing art. Some of these will be for sale at the SCOTS Biggest Morning Tea event to be held at Locke Street on 15 June so do ensure you come along should you want to buy a pot.

 

 

 

Weekend Activities:

Go Carting

On Sunday 19 May, the whole boarding community had the opportunity to go to Nanango to have a go at outdoor go carting.  I cannot tell you how many times I was almost driven off the track by eager boarders wanting to improve their lap times!  It was a fantastic afternoon with very little regard for safety judging by some of the sharp turns the students were performing!

 

 

 

SCOTS PGC Equestrian Extravaganza

Congratulations to Jacoba de Jager and Darcy Turner who competed in the SCOTS PGC Equestrian Extravaganza on the weekend.  So many of our EQ community were involved in putting on this amazing event – well done to you all.

 

 

 

 

PGC Mini Facelift

We are delighted to have been given permission to perform a mini –facelift on the interior walls of PGC.  The idea is to bring about a little colour and life into our living spaces so they reflect the vivacious and charming souls who live within.

The boarders have spent the best past of 13 weeks planning new colour schemes and soft furnishings to transform some of our key areas within PGC.  Our very own GAP tutors, Miss Butler and Miss Ferreria, began the process by attacking one of the feature walls in the Dean Butcher Building.  We hope that all painting work will be completed by the start of Term 3 and look forward to sharing the end result with you!

 

 

 

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T2W8 Sport Fixtures

T2W8 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Senior Athletics Carnival

Week 9 of this Term will see our Annual Senior Athletics Carnival held across the week. The full programme should arrive in your SEQTA inbox this week for your information and organisation. In short this is how the week will unfold.

Monday 17th June - 3000m - held at lunchtime

Tuesday 18th June - 1500m - held after school at 3.30pm

Thursday 20th June - 100m, Hurdles, 800m plus 3 rounds of field events per age group commencing at 11.15am through til 3pm.

Friday 21st June - 200m, 100m Finals, 400m, Relays, The Gift plus 3 rounds of field events per age group commencing at 9.00am

Students are expected to compete in a minimum of two track events and two field events but are able to compete in all under the following conditions.

For the 400, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and Hurdles events each Clan may nominate up to 4 competitors. In the throws and the Long Jump and Triple jump all students will get a throw in the first round and then the top eight competitors will proceed to the second and third rounds. For the High Jump each Clan may nominate three participants and the starting heights are set in the program.

We certainly encourage as many as possible to enter the jumps and throws and to have a go if the opportunity arises in the track events.

Darling Downs Selection

Last week 8 of our girls aged 14-18 headed to Highfields to contest the Darling Downs 14-15 years and 16-18 years Girls Rugby League trials. At the end of the day Kaysan Miles was a standout player and was selected in the Darling Downs 14-15 years team. All girls had an enjoyable and educational experience with a number of the girls telling me they learnt a great deal during the process. A huge thank you to Ms Terri Gilbert and Mr Cahal Davis for their efforts in supporting the girls on the day, and congratulations to all, especially to Kaysan on her selection. We wish her well at the upcoming State Championships.

Futsal Clinic and Selection Trial

Recently Mr Ronno Ferreria from Australian Futsal came to the College to conduct a coaching clinic and talent identification session with our Year 5/6 students. He was quite impressed with the calibre of our students and the attentiveness of the girls and boys as he put them through their paces. As a result of their attendance at this session Mr Ferreria was pleased to advise me that Adam McDonald and Phoebe Sellick were just what he was looking for and that he would like to invite them to the Queensland West Futsal Team for the National Schools Championships to be held in Brisbane in the September School Holidays. Our Year 7-12 students had the same opportunity on 6 June with several talented students in attendance. We look forward to hearing similar comments and hopefully notifying you all of further selection opportunities for our students.

Southern Downs Athletics

On Monday our young superstars of track and field descended upon Allora State School for the annual Southern Downs Athletics Carnival. This was held earlier this year due to the Nationals being held in Darwin at an earlier date than usual. Our team of nearly forty athletes braved the cooler than usual conditions to produce some personal bests across a range of events from 100m to 800m along with Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put and Discus.

Earlier the previous week the 1500m were run and won in style in a pre-event afternoon. I am pleased to announce that Hayley Wainwright broke the 10 years 1500m Record on this day with a new mark of 6.25.21min a great effort and one of only four records broken across the carnival.

In the Age Championships SCOTS PGC figured well with four students gaining Age Champion or Runner up honours.

9 years Boys Runner Up – Colby Miller

10 years Girls Age Champion – Hayley Wainwright

11 years Boys Runner Up – Bailey Harm

12 years Boys Age Champion – Nicholas Denny

I am very proud to announce that on top of their Age Champion awards Hayley and Nicholas were both named as the ‘Champion Athletes of the Carnival’ for their all-round excellent performances across several events for which they have also been selected in the Southern Downs Team.

[caption id="attachment_5188" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Congratulations to Hayley Wainwright and Nicholas Denny on being awarded Champion Athletes of the Carnival at Southern Downs in Allora on Monday.[/caption]

Those be who have been selected in the Southern Downs Team to contest the Darling Downs Championships on 18 June include: Nicholas Denny, Hayley Wainwright, Bailey Harm, Colby Miller, Ellyse Kruger, Scott Wainwright and Tanner Henley

We wish all of these students the very best at the Darling Downs Championships and remind all that training is available for all on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons if you wish to avail yourself of this opportunity.

A special thank you to Mr Campbell and Mrs Stephenson who managed our team on Monday and to our four gap students who assisted in the smooth running of the events on the day. Well done to all who attended and on a fantastic effort put in by the young athletes.

Downs Rugby 7’s Selections

Three of our Under 15 Girls have been selected in the Downs Rugby 7’s Squad of 18 to train on for the State Championships in the June July Holidays. Congratulations to Jacolene de Jager, Niamh Fender and Erin Keogh who have been named in this train on squad. We believe there will be 3-4 to be cut to make the final squad so have our fingers crossed that the three girls will get the final opportunity to attend this prestigious rugby carnival.

Queensland U15 Girls Football Championships

Over this weekend we wish Zara Kruger the very best of luck as she contests the Queensland U15 Girls Football Championships at Highfields, as a member of the Darling Downs Schoolgirls Team. The team stands a great chance with several outstanding team members. Zara herself has been recently named in the Queensland U14 Girls Team, by Football Queensland, to contest the National Championships later this year. So I am sure she will be on point for this event.

 

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Junior Reporting Information Session

Mr Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle School

We will be hosting an information session on Wednesday 19 June from 3.30 - 4.00pm in the Bandy Theatre regarding junior reporting.  Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to attend to discuss reporting and what it means for your child. Focus areas will include:

  • A to E Grades (or equivalent)
  • What does a C Grade mean?
  • How a grade is assigned?
  • Reading levels
  • Australian Curriculum

Our two JAM prefects, Chase Naylor and Eve King will be hosting a variety of games in the WALEC area children to allow parents and carers to attend. This is also available for younger siblings, so please RSVP your attendance to Mrs Alisi Malolo in the JAM office and advise if you would like your child/children engaged in games with our JAM prefects.

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Community Notices

Support for Winter Warmth

We are joining forces with the wider Warwick community this Sunday 2 June to support those who have been affected by drought and need a helping hand.  The Winter Warmth day is a free event in Leslie Park which kicks off at 12noon with a BBQ and kids activities.

Our hospitality students will be selling coffees for $4, with all proceeds going to Winter Warmth. You’ll find us in the white SCOTS PGC tent.  This is a great opportunity to support our community and have a great afternoon out.

 

 

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Year 4 Pilots New Junior Leadership Programme

Mrs Bernie Bourke | Year 4 Teacher

This year, SCOTS PGC College has commenced a new experiential model to develop leadership skills in our Junior School students. Throughout 2019, every Year 4 student will be given the opportunity to spend one school term on the leadership team. The leadership team is made up of approximately 6-7 students who are given additional responsibilities around the College.

At the end of each term, students will then hand their badge onto a fellow student who will be part of the leadership team the next term. Here at SCOTS, we believe every student can benefit from being given opportunities to learn and further develop their skills working as part of a team, showing inclusiveness, initiative, responsibility and committing to the overall values and life of our College community.

We congratulate Colby Miller, Ben March, Thomas Crawford, Cody Baker, Clea Reid, Hannah Bourke and Shakira Hilton for the enthusiasm and dedication you have shown in your role as our first Leadership team for 2019.

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Jobs of the Future

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

You may have read claims that 40% of the jobs in Australia won’t exist in the future.  Whilst the reality is some jobs will no longer exist, new jobs will be created and most jobs will undergo some form of digital transformation. The skills we need for work are changing, but we can work together to plan for the future.  Fears of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) replacing humans may be well founded, as new technology is constantly changing the way we work, but as the current workforce grows up alongside an ageing population, future generations will have many job opportunities, if they acquire the right skills.

Jobs of the Future

Having one career for your entire working life is no longer a realistic goal, 15 year-olds are likely to have 17 changes in employers across five different careers. And for three out of every five young Australians with a post-school qualification (such as a degree or vocational qualification), less than half are able to secure more than 35 hours of work per week.

When considering which career path to follow, it is prudent to be mindful that the jobs at risk are those which have high levels of routine, and repeatable and predictable processes requiring precision. These include administrative and clerical jobs, such as factory worker or data entry clerk. Automation or AI will replace these jobs, if it hasn’t already.  It is more important than ever to encourage the uptake of creative and problem-solving subjects and, here at SCOTS PGC College, we are endeavouring to increase the exposure to STEM and project based learning.

Non-routine jobs which need human problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, flexibility, physical dexterity, and communication skills will be the jobs of the future. So will jobs requiring physical proximity and interpersonal skills. Examples include engineering, design, education, health services and care work.  Building successful relationships is the key to future employability, and it is a focus of our Wellbeing programme.

The economy is undergoing an industry restructuring in response to the fourth industrial revolution. This is the name given to a combination of technological mega-trends happening all at the same time (for example, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, digital disruption and so on). Significant economic, demographic and social shifts are happening at the same time.

Which industries show growth?

The Australian economy has shifted from one which produces goods to one which services people. Almost 80% of the workforce is employed in the services industries. The Department of Jobs and Small Business projects that over the five years to May 2023, employment will increase in 17 of the 19 broad industry sectors in Australia. And it will decline in two: agriculture, forestry and fishing; and wholesale trade.

Almost two-thirds of employment growth is projected to be in four sectors: health care and social assistance; construction; education and training; and professional, scientific and technical services. Jobs will exist for people with the skills to fill those jobs.  New jobs are projected to be created across a range of occupations. Aged and disabled care, registered nursing, child care, software and applications programming, and waiting are the top five areas of growth.

Skills young people can learn now

Achieving a university degree no longer automatically means a graduate will get immediate and meaningful employment. The youth unemployment rate for graduates is increasing at a greater rate than for those without a tertiary qualification. According to the Foundation for Young Australians, it now takes on average 4.7 years for a person to transition from full time education to full time employment.

Research from the Foundation for Young Australians found there are four key factors which can accelerate the transition from education to full time work:

  • an education that builds transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication and team work
  • being able to undertake relevant paid work experience
  • finding employment in a sector which is growing
  • an optimistic mindset

Employers of technical and trade workers still place the most emphasis on job-specific, but across all jobs employability skills are the most important. Employers look for communication skills above all other skills, followed by organisational skills, writing, planning and detail orientation, team work and problem-solving. Young people will need to make sure they also have transferable skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking and creativity.

The NSW government challenged a group of researchers to identify what today’s kindergarteners will need to survive and thrive in the 21st century. The report says developing deep knowledge and specialist expertise over time is critical.

Employability skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking are considered generic, and are likely to also be job-specific and not necessarily transferable. For example, problem-solving skills will be very different for a mining engineer to those required by a kindergarten teacher. These “generic skills” need to be learned in context.

What matters most is for Year 12 students at the SCOTS PGC College to surrender to the expertise of our teachers and commit enthusiastically and without hesitation to the sage wisdom they have to offer; to excellence in teaching. Moreover, to commit conscientiously to the holistic programmes we offer, more than what occurs in classrooms but also the creative and performing arts, sport and recreation, service and leadership and building great relationships with teachers and with peers.

Semester 1 Assessments

The Year 10 class are at the beginning of their self-assessment journey, starting to think about the big questions of “what’s next?” and “how do I get there?”  As part of this they will be choosing subjects and pathways for Year 11 and beyond as part of their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning.  There will be information events and other communication about this and the new Senior Syllabuses so please look out for those in the coming weeks.  It is important to note that it is ok if you do not know what you want to be when you grow up.  Many highly successful people did not know what to do at university and many still do not know.  What is important is to have a goal, an idea of what you may want the future to look like and take the first steps towards the horizon.

As a consequence of the introduction of external assessment in 2019, we are starting the preparation for Years 8, 9 and 10 by the introduction of assessment blocks that mirror the assessments the students will be experiencing in the future.  One of the most significant aspects of these assessments is that a part, or all, of the assessments will be unseen.  It is important for students to realise that they may not have seen the question before but they will have learnt the skills and knowledge to answer it.  Equally important is the welfare of students at this stressful time, please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have any concerns or queries.  The timetable for these will be available on SEQTA from Monday 3rd June.  To find out more about the new Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and the new system, an excellent resource is available from the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), at the link below.

https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar-my-path/atar

Thank you for your ongoing support and good luck to all students in their upcoming assessments.

 

Reference: Denny, Lisa. (2019). Research Fellow – Institute for the Study of Social Change, University of Tasmania. Taken from https://theconversation.com/choosing-a-career-these-jobs-wont-go-out-of-style, February 20, 2019.

 

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Chess Champions

Mr Stephen Anastasi | Strategy Games Club

Eight chess fiends of the Strategy Games Club attended the 2019 Chess Tournament with Mr Anastasi on Friday 24 May and a fabulous time was had by all. Hosted by Assumption College, the tournament attracted ninety competitors, each keen to test their talent against a variety of skill levels. Competitors were divided into senior and junior cohorts, and each player experienced six games, being lifted or dropped with each win or loss, so that skill levels became more and more balanced.

In the junior section, Isaac Ratcliffe was named champion, winning all but one match. In the senior section, Jack McFarland played a formidable series to achieve third place. This would have been first if he had won just one more game.

Between games, participants took part in a chess coaching session broadcast via the web, by one of the organisers. We also watched several videos that taught us to pin and skewer (no less!) our opponents, among other methods for getting the upper hand.

There will be another 'Big Chess Day Out' in June, for which invitations will soon be forthcoming. Please contact Mr Anastasi if you have a question relating to this.

 

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Campdraft Clinic Coming Soon!

SCOTS PGC students will have the opportunity to take part in a Campdraft Clinic which is scheduled to take place 23 June at the Tannymorel Showgrounds, with Allan Wallen.

The clinic will cover the development of a range of skills including, horsemanship, basic ground work and cattle work.  It is designed to suit all ages and skill levels of both horse and rider so it doesn't matter if you haven't competed in campdrafting before, or have been doing it your whole life - there is something for everyone!

Allan Wallen is very well known in the stockhorse and campdrafting circles, competing at a regional, state and national level with many placings throughout. There will be limited places, so please contact Grace Buchholz ([email protected]) before 14 June if your child would like to register their attendance, or if you have any questions.

The cost for the weekend is $180 per rider. Camping is available at the grounds, however, there are no showers on site. A BBQ lunch will be available both days. Riders must be a member of Equestrian Queensland or the Australian Campdraft Association to be able to participate.

 

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Captains Corner

T2W7 Sport Fixtures

T2W7 Co-curricular Programme

Netball

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

We’re on to a winning formula this week! Both SCOTS 1 and SCOTS 2 won their games in the Warwick Town competition. Our SCOTS 1 played a close game against the Killara Cruisers but came out eventual winners with a score of 31-29. The team started well and although they let their lead slip in the second half, our girls fought hard to take back the game. Harriet displayed some great shooting while Rosemary and Siobhan worked hard to gain intercepts in defence.

The girls in the SCOTS 2 team had a great win against Howlers, 30-23. Despite being short a few players, which meant a lack of subs, our girls played hard and had a convincing win by 7 goals

Well done to both teams.

 

EQ News
Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The dust is still settling on a fantastic weekend which saw the College host our very own SCOTS PGC event – and what a great success it was!

Our SCOTS PGC Equestrian Extravaganza kicked off last Friday at Morgan Park which included a weekend of various events showcasing all disciplines.  We attracted nearly 120 riders from across the district which meant that our event was larger than the recent Darling Downs Interschool meet a couple of weeks ago.

Our entire team rode with excellence and showed great sportsmanship and pride for the College throughout the three days. It was fantastic to see so many riders competing for our school.  Our team members were rewarded for their skills and achievement which saw us take out a number of prizes for both champions and reserves in the show horse, showman, show jumping, combined training and dressage events. We also placed very well in all the team events.

Running an event like this is a huge undertaking.  The entire team would like to thank all the parents and staff who spent long, tireless hours in helping make the event the great success that it was.  We are very grateful to be part of such a close knit community.

 

 

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Music and Drama Winter Concert

The annual Winter Performing Arts Concert is being held in the Chapel on the evening of Tuesday 11th June 2019.
With the support of SCOTS PGC, the concert is organised by the independent teachers who visit the College campus, teaching private Music and Drama lessons. It provides the students with the opportunity to share their artistic endeavours with their families, friends and the College community.
Due to the large number of students, there will be two concerts one at 4.30pm and another at 6.00pm. Singers, musicians and actors are busy preparing and polishing their performances to provide a wonderfully entertaining evening for everyone.
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Pipe & Drums Tenterfield Concert

Tomorrow night (Saturday 1st June) the town of Tenterfield is welcoming the SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums for a special concert. For further details please see the flyer above. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night.

You can download a copy of the programme for the evening HERE.

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Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Here’s another date to chalk up on the calendar…

On Saturday 15 June, the College will be hosting its very own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at the Locke St Campus (Girls Boarding).

The morning will commence at 9:00am where guests will be treated to a morning of entertainment, prizes and the best morning tea imaginable – which is all covered in your $2 entry fee.

Proceeds from our morning tea will be used to help the Cancer Council raise the much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, preventions programmes and advocacy.

Mrs Fairleigh and her band of merry helpers are very excited to host a great morning.  This is an open community event, so please share amongst your family, friends and the wider Warwick community.

The College has set up a donation page via the Cancer Council for those wishing to make an online donation https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=1276512

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Cattle Club Update

Main Image:  Lily Emmerton, Marty Worboys and Bridie Shooter

Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

The SCOTS PGC College Cattle Club Team woke up in the early hours of the morning, hopped in a minibus and travelled to Crows Nest to compete in the Darling Downs Sub Chamber Finals last Saturday (18 May). To qualify for the Darling Downs Finals, participants had to place first in Paraders or Junior Judging competitions at shows along the regional show circuit. This year, Arena Wheeler, Clay Armstrong and Bridie Shooter all qualified to compete at the Sub Chamber event.

An unfortunate outbreak of the flu meant that Arena and Clay were unable to compete, however, Lily Emmerton and Marty Worboys stepped up in their place. Marty placed 3rd in the Prime Cattle Junior Judging and 3rd in the Cookery Judging competition. Lily placed 1st in the Stud Cattle Junior Judging and Bridie placed 2nd in the Farm Produce Judging, 2nd in the Stud Beef Junior Judging and 3rd in the Prime Cattle Junior Judging.

Unfortunately, no one qualified to compete further at a State level, however, an accumulation of all of the team’s Junior Judging points led us taking out a win for the Day/Jensen shield for our team judging efforts.

The Show Team looks forward to preparing for the Ekka in August.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T2W6 Co-curricular Programme

T2W6 Sport Fixtures

Netball News

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

On Sunday, our teams travelled to Laidley to play the last Inter-District Carnival before finals in June. Scots 1 had a tough day due to a lack of numbers but fought through the day. The younger teams had more success with full teams and all played well through tough conditions.

On Tuesday night in the town competition, Scots 1 had a smasher, beating Shooting Stars by 11 points while Scots 2 had a bye. This is a great improvement from the previous game against Shooting Stars when Scots won by 4 points. The girls played a good game and particular mention goes to Rose Dearden and Emily Rhodes for some great intercepts to gain this lead.

 

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

We are motoring through the term! Who can believe we are now at the end of Week 5?  Again we’ve had some wonderful things happening in the Co-curricular space, so here’s a brief overview:

DD 10-12yrs Football Trials

Last Sunday and Monday Adam McDonald and Tanner Grant attended the Darling Downs Trials for Football in Stanthorpe. Unfortunately, neither made it through to the Downs team but both gave good accounts of themselves from all reports with Tanner making the cut for Possibles v Probables held on Monday. Well done lads and don't stop chasing your dreams as you never know who will be the next Tim Cahill.

QCIS Cross Country

Last Friday we hosted the QCIS Cross Country as a lead up to our regional event. The day was a great success with all races going off without incident. The College fielded competitors in all age groups but illness depleted some of our numbers.

Our best performers were as follows with top 7 placings:

Hayley Wainwright (1st), Ewan McFarland (4th), Shona McFarland (5th), Samuel Proudlove (7th), Amelia Meek (5th), Zara Kruger (2nd), Samuel Wainright (6th), Eliana Jones (4th) and Sam Harvey (7th)

In the Aggregate Trophy SCOTS PGC finished 4th and in the for the Percentage Trophy we finished 3rd due to depleted numbers across our fields. Hopefully next year we can get a few more to attend and claim back the coveted Percentage Trophy.

 

Darling Downs Cross Country Success

On Tuesday the College was represented by 16 students at the Darling Downs Cross Country Championships held at Highfields, north of Toowoomba.

The day was a fantastic one for Cross Country and a number of our students took a liking to the new course which will be the home of the State Championships on July 20-22.

Shona McFarland was first to take to the course and gained a very creditable 15th in the 16yrs girls 4000m. Sam Harvey in his first ever regional event gained 25th in the 15yrs boys 4000m, and some valuable experience which will stand him in good stead for the future. Eliana Jones as the big improver from last year going from the mid 20's to 11th place in the 14yrs 4000m.

Hayley Wainwright was our first athlete selected after a hard fought 6th in the 10yrs girls saw her gain her first DD selection. Zara Kruger followed suit with a tremendous 3rd in the 13yrs 3000m and our first medal of the day. Alerah Ross tried her best for her 55th place but the field was quite hot and a poor start hampered her progress.

Ben Carey battled the flu to finish 16th, Sam Wainwright came home strong for 27th, with Hamish Swift right behind him in 29th, Viacheslav Cheredov ran a creditable 32nd, and Percy Kruger chased Slava home for 33rd giving our 13yrs boys 4th in the teams event behind TGS and St. Mary's Toowoomba.

Briana Groves found the going a bit tough in the 12yrs girls but fought on for 30th out of a field of 60 starters, whilst Riley Wainwright ran a fine 16th with a strong finish over the last 500m. Riley was followed by Samuel Bourke in 29th who learnt a lot from his first appearance at this level.

Finally, the 16yrs lads took to the course and after gaining 26th in 2017 and 6th in 2018 Ewan McFarland gained 2nd place in a race that was in my opinion the race of the day where anyone of a number of the lads in the top 6 could have taken the day. Also in the fantastic field was Geoffrey Warren who toiled hard to gain a creditable 17th place and again demonstrated great potential.

Hayley, Zara and Ewan will now contest the State Championships on this very same course in late July and we wish them well.

In the overall aggregate trophy for the Secondary Shield I am pleased to advise that Scots PGC finished 7th overall, which was a great effort from a small team. Well done to all and a huge thank you to Mr Campbell our team manager and the gap students for their contribution to the day.

 

 

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Strategy Games Club

Stephen Anastasi | Co-ordinator

The Strategy Games Club numbers have continued to grow over the last weeks, with the expansion from purely chess being well received. Younger members enjoy chess for a time and it is advantageous that when they have run out of interest ‘for the day’ that they have a raft of other opportunities to keep them engaged.

Some of our members have been very supportive, teaching other students to play games of Magic: the Gathering, Armies vs Aliens, and Euka.  In the near future, we will be offering draughts, Mastermind, Chinese Checkers and possibly even Go.

The Club is presently meeting at 3.30pm to 4.30pm, Tuesdays in the WALEC.  We would love to welcome new members to the fold.

 

 

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Junior School Open Day – Wed 12th June

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Equestrian News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The last couple of weeks have been quite busy for the SCOTS PGC Equestrian team!

On 10-12 May we had 22 of our students travel to Dalby for the Darling Downs Regional Championships.  Like always, the SCOTS PGC team showed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the whole weekend.  Our students were recognised for their efforts with sportsmanship awards going out to Lucy Jackson-Sharpe, Darcy Turner and Georgia Rohde Chase Naylor, Tom Keable and James King. We also had outstanding individual results over the three days with many of our riders placing in the top 6. Congratulations to our champion riders who were Felicity and Phoebe Sellick as well as Beau Lyttle (show jumping). A special mention to our outstanding member for the weekend - Hanaka Parker for competing in the dressage and showman at her first ever event and then coming home with 3rd in showman.

As a school we were awarded as the reserve champion in the showman teams, third in both dressage and combined training teams and champion and third in show jumping teams. To top it off, we were also awarded as reserve overall show jumping school.

Last weekend two of our riders, Maddie Keddy and Georgia Rohde competed at the Tamborine one-day event. Both had a great weekend with Georgia coming home with 5th in the CCN1* and an overall win in the Juniors. The whole team is looking forward to our very own event this weekend coming.

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Jam & Pumpkins for Sale at Reception

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Community News – A message from SDRC

As part of the Southern Downs Water Security Strategy, Council is seeking feedback on community values and knowledge of our local water resources. The information gathered will provide local data on the actions and behaviours which are most important to our residents as well as providing current information on opportunities to further secure our water supplies for the future.

We want to hear from you! The survey will take just 10-15 minutes and can be completed online. Some questions are a quick tick and flick and others require a more thoughtful response. The survey will guide Council future actions so please grab a cuppa and head to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SouthernDownsDroughtSolutions
A PDF version is also available to be downloaded, completed and returned to any of the Southern Downs Regional Council’s Community Contact Centres. To make sure your views are incorporated, the survey will need to be submitted by 16 June 2019.

Please encourage your family and friends to complete this survey so their thoughts and ideas and can also be included.

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SCOTS spreads the love for Love Your Sister

What a day it has been!

We were absolutely thrilled to share our morning with the very lovable Samuel Johnson from the Love Your Sister Foundation.

After a morning of coffee, cupcakes and a sea of students dressed in their best pink outfits, we welcomed Samuel to the assembly hall stage. Introduced by past SCOTS PGC student, Ashlea Dufficy, Samuel bounded in to share a special heartfelt message with our students. His words were received loud and clear and we are quite sure every boy and girl will be going home tonight to urge their mums to keep a check on their health and be breast aware.

Some tricky uni-cycling ensued and a throng of students followed Sammy outside to get a closer look at the unicycle that he peddled around Australia last year and just generally soak up his presence and the pure vibrant energy he exudes.

Our fundraising efforts are still being tallied, so stay tuned for the final result. We are so thankful to be part of such a vibrant and giving community - love certainly was in the air today.

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Pastoral Care is Packing a Punch

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

Our whole College pastoral care programme continues every Tuesday in period 4 with our dedicated wellbeing lessons. A raft of different activities and a variety of learning experiences have already occurred so far this year across Prep – Year 12. To highlight what has been occurring in the junior, middle and senior school in the past couple of weeks, here’s a ‘sneak peek’ of what some of our classes have been up to:

Year 3 | Cyber Safety – We conducted a student audit of what Apps and interactive platforms they were using and discussed the implications and dangers of these both now and into the future when peer pressure comes into play.

Year 4 | Ingredients for friendships – The students discussed the ingredients for friendship, identified any extra ingredients which are particularly important and compared similarities and differences with a friend.

Year 6 | Effective study skills – Students discussed and learned strategies for organising time, managing the workload and setting goals. Parents were also emailed a copy of the assessment planner.

Year 8 | Bullying – The class explored bullying and types of responses. This was an opportunity to remind the students of the College anti-bullying policy which can also be found in their diary.

Year 9 | Bullying and cyber safety – Students looked at how our character is formed and who influences us and the role our environment plays.

Year 11 | Facebook settings - During this period, Facebook was allowed through the college internet filter and students were walked through settings and privacy measures. The Year 11 students watched this 3 minute clip of the ‘psychic in the igloo’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7pYHN9iC9I

This is just a snippet of what occurs in the pastoral care lessons each week on a Tuesday. Have you asked your child/children what they did in this lesson this week?

The College pastoral care programme is available on our website at: http://scotspgc.com.au/publications/  and under handbooks and programmes.

An integral part of our pastoral care programme is a world first wellbeing resource called SchoolTV which is a parent and teacher resource which was highlighted at a parent information session in Term 1. This resource is available for you on the SEQTA splash page. If you would like to know more about this outstanding resource, please contact either Mr Simon Edgar or Mr David Proudlove.

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A High Quality Interclan Athletics Carnival

Mr Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

Last Friday 10th May saw the Junior and Middle School Interclan Athletics Carnival held under ideal weather conditions.  The day started in our house like many others, with the full range of emotions:  excitement, nervousness, worry and then finally a revelation – “this is going to be great fun!”

Starting with the 5 to 9 years old sprints, it was wonderful to watch these young students competing in their first race over 50 or 60 metres.  Their youthful exuberance was evident with the look of excitement, determination, relief and finally joy (mostly) when their race was finished, with the look of pride on their parent’s face a highlight for me.  The second part of the sprints programme saw the 10 to 12 years old students graduate to the top of the 100m track. For some students, this became a little more serious as over the years a lot of students start working out what they think the finishing order will be. Although, this year we have seen a number of new students across these age groups which has created genuine intrigue in the outcome!

After the sprint events we started the novelty events for the 5 – 8 years old students. It was delightful to see these young students participate in sack races, discuss, shot put and javelin activities, even though some of the smaller students initially disappeared beneath the size of the sacks. These novelty events were very smoothly run by the Junior School staff with the assistance of some Year 7 helpers.

The 9 -12 years old students commenced rotations of four events which were either jumps or throws. Within each of these year groups we saw records broken and in some cases, ‘smashed!’ After morning tea, the 5 – 8 years old students returned to the Junior School to carry on with their teaching and learning programme.

Throughout the remainder of the day the jumps and throws continued and a contingent of avid parents supported their children and the other students.  During this time the clan competition started to heat up with some very close cumulative totals being communicated. The final part of the Junior and Middle School Interclan Athletics Carnival was the shuttle relays. Staff, students and parents all moved over to the 100 metre track in the centre of Briggs Oval for the hotly contested relays. The competition was intense between clans as well as between the boys and girls.

As a College, the Interclan Athletics carnival displayed the spirit and tenacity which all our students have. The importance of these values was highlighted and in line with our College vision as a collective, we were all able to ‘inspire students to be their best’.

Thank you to Mr Bradbury for organising such a successful carnival. Also a big thank you to Mr Wilson, Mr Millard, parent volunteers, GAP students, Year 7 helpers and all the dedicated JAM teachers and teacher aides. Such a successful carnival cannot occur without you!    

 

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Meet Samuel Johnson and raise funds to rid cancer

On Friday 24 May, the College is privileged to announce that we will receive a visit from Samuel Johnson OAM, actor and philanthropist, as he travels through Warwick on his Love Your Sister caravan odyssey to raise funds to vanquish cancer!  He aims to raise 10 million dollars towards cancer research.

Samuel spent the first few months of 2019 dancing his legs off to finally take out the mirror ball in honour of his sister Connie and to raise funds for Love Your Sister.  He is a living lesson in allowing oneself to show vulnerability, to be aware of who you really are and show courage in adversity. Samuel’s visit will give our students the opportunity to hear a message of hope.  He is a living example of giving of yourself. Of ‘looking out of the window instead of in the mirror!’  So many of our community have experience of loss and the anguish of watching loved ones go through treatment. This is our opportunity to be involved in the ‘cancer vanquishing movement!’

Next Friday, we will turn the College pink with a free dress day and donations headed for Love Your Sister fundraising. The morning will start off at 8.00am with coffees being served from the Junior School for any College families. We ask for a gold coin donation with all funds raised going towards this great cause. Samuel will attend an assembly of students from Middle and Senior school at approximately 10:00am.   Parents are invited to attend and share in this exciting event. Please bring some cash as we will endeavour to ‘fill our buckets’ to add to our fundraising efforts. Samuel has a merchandise trailer as well and the College will also be selling Pink cupcakes.  We hope to see you there!

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UN Youth | Voice – National Finals

Joshua Bailey | Year 11 student

Late last year I made it my goal to participate in as much as possible in school. My teacher then advertised a United Nations speech competition and I thought: why not?

The competition was simple: you’re given a short list of international problems, and from that list you prepare a 5-minute speech with your own solution…

Thinking I wouldn’t get too far, I entered hoping to maybe get some experience in speechwriting and public speaking. I got much more than just that in the following months - eventually, I progressed from the regional round in Toowoomba, to Brisbane Parliament House, and then to Perth for the National Finals.

I travelled to Perth representing my state and school in the April school holidays, participating in workshops and discussions that challenged my own beliefs and ideas and allowed for animated conversation and debate.

Over the course of the competition, I spoke on the spread of nuclear weaponry, on foreign interference, and the state of Australian youth in politics.

They were very complicated topics, and vastly different in scope to the challenges we face out here on the Downs.

I was fortunate to go to the National Finals in Perth along with the other finalists from the Queensland State competition. They were a friendly and intelligent bunch and we, as a team, did fairly well in our respective age groups.

I met many intelligent and like-minded individuals, interested in the happenings of the world. I won’t be surprised to see them in government positions one day. Even better, though, was that many of these people became my friends.

The experience of this trip was very much a high in my life.

In the end, I realised that, as I looked out from a high rise in the Perth CBD, perhaps it wasn’t a bad idea to have just given this a go.

After all, I’d never been to Perth before.

 

 

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Year 3 acquaints themselves with Aussie animals

Michelle Brown | Year 3 Teacher

Our Year 3 students are just finishing a term long project based around the study on an Australian animal.  We began the project during our Science module, where we investigated living and non-living things and then embarked on a research report which required our boys and girls to study and seek out further information using simple text as a starting point.  The students developed a list of dot points after comprehending the text, and then went on to expand their dot points into sentences and find pictures and other resources to support their research.

Our students have created a book around their chosen animal using their iPads and an app called ‘Book Creator’.  It has been wonderful to watch their projects develop to their final stages and see just how proud they all are of their completed animal research books.  Next week, the class will proudly read their books to some of our younger students.  This was a really fun unit where the class learned some of the foundation skills essential to research and reporting.

Well done Year 3!

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The Beat of the Bush | Musical Winter School

Wendy Whittaker | Head of Music

The Winter School is being run at the Tenterfield High School from the 8 -14 July. Both Primary and Secondary programmes are being conducted with guest performers and instructors. This Winter School is particularly focussed on enabling regional students access to top quality music education experience.

The usual cost of the programme for urban students is normally $495 for the week. However, the organisers have worked hard to enable extensive funding for regional students. Thanks to a NSW Regional Well-Being grant the cost of the programme has been reduced to $95 for students from Warwick. The organisers have also confirmed a free bus from Warwick to Tenterfield each day will be funded by FRRR (Foundation for Remote and Regional Renewal). This is an opportunity too good to miss! If you are free in Week 3 of the holidays, please consider registering for this fantastic programme.

Further information is available from Mrs Whittaker or at www.cuskellycollegeofmusic.com . Registrations close 14 June 2019.

 

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QDU Debating Update

Main Image: Year 7 debaters, Adam Stephenson and Lachlan Tweddell

Mrs Nicola Hight | Debating Co-ordinator

The SCOTS PGC College has a dedicated line up of 23 students, ranging from Years 7-12, competing in the current Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Toowoomba Region Secondary Schools Competition. Interschool debate nights take place on scheduled Wednesday nights across various school campuses in Toowoomba.

Last year’s semi-final competitors Alexis Zerner, Sophie Brennan and Sophia Tweddell have been joined by Sophie Poole and Rosie-May Proudlove to form SCOTS PGC 8.1 team and continue to perform strongly. Year 9 students Sophie Bignell, Hannah Myer, Niamh Fender and Harriet Plummer remain in the running for this year’s championship rounds. Thank you Mrs Christine Peterson for twice accompanying this group to Toowoomba.

In short preparation events, our new 8.2 team of Alex Naughten, Brianna Ware, Dustin Heslin and Matthew Bailey defeated Toowoomba Grammar School in their last round. Scots PGC 8.2 team showed great non-reliance on palm cards, successfully arguing against banning zoos.

Our Senior Debating Team consists of Year 12 Samuel Proudlove plus Year 11s Joshua Crow, Joshua Bailey,  Aidan Ryan and Kira Holmes. The Senior team won their last short preparation round to argue that women should be taxed less than men, defeating St Mary’s College Toowoomba.

Last but not least, our youngest interschool debaters are Year 7s Lauren McAdam , Adam Stephenson, Lachlan Tweddell, Viacheslav Cheredov and Alyxis McDonald. Congratulations to SCOTS PGC team 7.1 for your win against Toowoomba Grammar School 7.1 in the recent ‘YouTube’ topic debate.

Thanks to each of our students for your commitment and courage and also to the parents and boarding staff for supporting these evening events. And of course, thank you to my fellow Interschool Debating Coordinator Mr Malcolm Heather.

 

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SCOTS begins to rock!

The quiet start to the day on the Oxenham street campus comes to a jarring halt each Wednesday morning as the newly formed rock band begins practice in the Assembly Hall at 7.30am! Under the guidance of local master musician and accomplished guitarist Mr Colin Alley, the newly formed band relives the music of past greats such as The Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Paul Kelly and Chuck Berry to name just a few.

Guitarists Luke Stephenson, Mitchell Twidale , Mr Keevers and combine with bass player Ambrose Barton and Matthew Bailey on drums, to lay down the riffs and melodies, whilst Brianna Ware adds her vocals. The band is very close to its first performance and continues to practice to develop the skills and love of all things in rock and roll!

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T2W5 Sport Fixtures

T2W5 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular

Primary School Hockey Final

Last Thursday our SCOTS Red primary hockey team faced the West Warwick Wolves in the grand final of this competition and I was lucky enough to attend and view the spectacle for myself.

The game ebbed and flowed in the early piece with no one team taking the ascendancy. We scored then they scored and pretty much this was the pattern up until half time after which it started to become one-way traffic for the SCOTS Team. Superb defence from Belle Meek, Lachlan Groves, Colby Miller and Cody Baker allowed Briana Groves and Tanner Henley to punch forward in attack. All were integral members in the subsequent 6-3 win over the Warwick West SS Wolves Team who put up a really strong contest.

Colby Miller as a junior team member showed excellent skills in both attack and defence and wasn't afraid to run the length of the park to do so. Briana Groves was rock solid and often steadied the defence before lurching forward at speed to provide vital injections for the attack. Tanner crawled off his death bed to be a part of the action and conserved energy by lurking out on the left wing position ready to pounce on the loose ball sent his way. Cody and Belle were very steady and sure in the mid field where both displayed great defensive qualities to deny the West team in the later stages of the match. Lachlan Groves was everywhere - he attacked and defended exceptionally well but his ball distribution was a feature of his game which allowed his team mates to explore space around the park and expose the oppositions weaknesses.

All in all, it was a great game to watch and a tremendous effort from our juniors. Unfortunately, team regular Connie-Anne Sue Tin was unavailable to play in the final but certainly contributed to the sides appearance in it and we congratulate her as well.

 

John Elders Cup

The Open Rugby Union team took part in the annual John Elders Cup Rugby Tournament last weekend at Downlands College.

It is a highly competitive competition and a very tough one in which a smaller school such as SCOTS PGC can be competitive. The boys played four games in two days which is always a tough ask of any team.

In game one we were quite shell-shocked by the size and speed of the play from the Downlands Firsts but the boys fought on and managed to get a 'meat pie' in the second half after a solid run from Beau Kendall. The second game saw us face the Downlands Seconds and although we pressed their line for lengthy periods we were unable to break their defence.

Many players showed their skill and courage under fire in both these encounters. Jonathon Winter led the team impeccably from the front with bustling ball carrying and tenacious defence, whilst Anthony Hodges toiled tirelessly at Number 10 to conjure something whenever he could for the team to get some go forward.

On Sunday we played the other two teams, Ambrose Treacy (Brisbane) and Ignatius Park (Townsville). The game against Ambrose Treacy was likely our highlight with two tries and a better defensive performance. We lost all four games as can be seen in the stats below but the boys played some outstanding rugby and as the weekend progressed the rugby got better and better.

Beau Kendall won the player of the tournament as adjudged by the referees throughout the tournament under a 3-2-1 system from each game, and we are very proud of Beau as this was no mean feat when your side is not going forward all the time. We are proud of all our lads who all played well above their capacity against bigger and more experienced opposition.

Unfortunately, the other schools were just too strong for us, but we must remember we have a competitive sport population of 336 girls and boys in our school whilst Downlands can draw upon 828 girls and boys and Ambrose Treacy have over 1000 boys alone from which to field teams.

A hearty well done to both our players and staff for the effort and the sacrifice they have all made to represent the College at this event.

The full results were as follows:
Match 1 – Ambrose Treacy def Ignatius Park 14-5
Match 2 – Downlands Blue def SCOTS 66-10
Match 3 – Ambrose def Treacy Downlands Red 10- 7
Match 4 – Downlands Blue def Ignatius Park 50-5
Match 5 – Downlands Red def SCOTS 29-0
Match 6 – Ignatius Park d Downlands Red 21-17
Match 7 – Ambrose Treacy def SCOTS 37-12
Match 8 – Downlands Blue def Downlands Red 52-0
Match 9 – Ignatius Park def SCOTS 41-5
Match 10 - Downlands Blue def Ambrose Treacy 64-5

Futsal Clinic and Talent Identification Sessions

Over the next three Thursday afternoons we have the pleasure of hosting Mr Ronno Ferreira from Australian Futsal to conduct a coaching and selection session with our students based on our participation in the South West Futsal Titles held last Term.

The sessions are open to all students across the age groups mentioned below...

Thursday 23 May - Yr 5-6 Students - 3.15-4.30pm
Wednesday 30 May - Yr7-8 Students - 2.30-4.30pm
Thursday 6 June - Yr 9-12 Students 2.30-4.30pm

All sessions will be held in the John Muir Sports Centre. Please RSVP to Mr Bradbury your intentions to attend by this Friday 17 May.

This is an opportunity not to be missed.

 

JAM Athletics Carnival

In what were excellent conditions for an Athletics Carnival the JAM Students competed wholeheartedly across the full gambit of events.

In the race for Age Championships the following students prevailed over their classmates to take the honours.

9yrs – Girls - Shelby Edgar 1st, Phillipa Cassells 2nd - Boys – Scott Wainwright and Colby Miller 1st

10yrs – Girls – Hayley Wainwright 1st, Bridie Hutchison 2nd – Boys – Izak Kruger 1st, Lachlan Groves 2nd

11yrs – Girls – Ellyse Kruger 1st, Belle Meek 2nd – Boys – Bailey Harm 1st, Liam Poole 2nd

12yrs – Briana Groves 1st, Phoebe Sellick 2nd – Boys – Nicholas Denny1st, Lewis May 2nd

In addition to their accumulative success in the age championships several records were broken setting new marks for 2019.

Nicholas Denny – 12yrs 100m – 13.18sec

Nicholas Denny – 12yrs Shot Put – 10.29m

Nicholas Denny – 12yrs Long Jump – 4.72m

Hayley Wainwright – 10yrs Long Jump – 3.56m

Hayley Wainwright – 10yrs High Jump – 1.18m

Hayley Wainwright – 10yrs 800m – 3.21.41min

Scott Wainwright – 9yrs Discus – 17.72m

Benjamin March – 9yrs Shot Putt – 6.24m

Bailey Harm – 10yrs High Jump – 1.45m

In the Interclan Championship Cameron were victorious with 918 points followed by MacInnes in 2nd, Mackay 3rd and Leslie 4th.

We congratulate all participants on a fantastic effort across the day. The team for the Southern Downs trials on June 3 will be announced next week but training continues for those wishing to avail themselves of this on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons whilst Runners club continues in the mornings for students as well.

I take this opportunity to thank all staff students and parents for their participation and attendance making the event a truly communal one.

 

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Year 2 catches the coding bug

Mrs Julie Gander | Year 2 Teacher

This semester in Year 2, students have begun learning to code. But what exactly is coding? Coding is what makes it possible to create computer software, apps and websites.

For our Year 2 students, learning to code began with writing simple sets of instructions on paper in offline activities. They then moved onto programming robotic bees, or ‘Bee-Bots’ to move from one location to another on a large map in the classroom.

After mastering these basic skills, students then began to solve more difficult coding puzzles online.

Along with learning programming skills, students have found that coding also fosters other equally important skills, including resilience, problem solving, creativity and persistence. The children have learnt that failure can be something positive as it provides a learning opportunity. ‘Debugging’ code or finding mistakes within their code and trying again is half the fun.

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Accentuating the Positive!

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

‘Very little that is positive is solitary.  When was the last time you laughed uproariously?  The last time you felt indescribable joy?  The last time you sensed profound meaning and purpose?  The last time you felt enormously proud of an accomplishment?  Chances are, all of them took place around other people’.

The words above were written by Martin Seligman, PhD, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and regarded as the founder of the concept of positive psychology, in the early pages of his 2011 international bestseller, ‘Flourish’. Positive psychology itself is defined by one of Seligman’s co-workers, Christopher Peterson, as, ‘the scientific study of what makes life most worth living’, so we are talking about some pretty heavy-duty, meaningful ideas that have had a vast impact on many fields, perhaps none more than the complex world of the education of young people.

And while it has taken some of the most brilliant scientific minds, and engaging writers of the last decade to fine-tune what positive psychology is, and how we might all benefit from understanding it better, I am delighted to say that it is evident on a regular basis at SCOTS PGC, often when least expected.  Opportunities to be a part of something bigger; a small, but vital component in a perfectly engineered machine, abound for all our boys and girls.  The most recent occasion I was privileged to see positive psychology in action was last week, in fact, on the day when the 2019 ‘batch’ of Warwick Riding for the Disabled (RDA) volunteers attended their essential training day with the amazingly generous-of-spirit RDA instructors at the Warwick Showgrounds. The 60-minute session was the compulsory introduction to the finer points of how to safely manage some of the most patient and personable ponies in Queensland!

No sign as yet of the Warwick East Primary School special needs youngsters who our students will be assisting at RDA; this was just 22 of our Year 7-10s, all equestrian-crazy and all representing the College with grace and immaculate manners, focused on learning the ropes, or bridles and stirrups, depending on where each was standing at the time.

As someone who is, rather inconveniently extremely allergic to horses (surely this should have been an essential, critical interview question for anyone contemplating a career move from the fresh breezes of the Fremantle Doctor on Perth’s Indian Ocean shoreline to what is clearly the Equine Capital of the World) I found myself a few metres away from the action, watching how our youngsters interacted with each other, and their horsey charges.

Smiles and laughter were non-stop, chatter was constant; to each other, and to the ponies, and while none of the instructors asked for hugs to be administered, they were handed out aplenty, as clearly, horses are for hugging!

How ironic and heart-warming for a service activity that, on the surface, appears to be all about helping others to have the wonderful side-effect of building friendships and positivity among those who offer to provide that help.  The catalyst just happens to be the incredible, enduring bond between humans and horses.

For me there was undoubtedly a sense of ‘flourishing’ in the air.  Some of our young volunteers have challenging stories and struggle from time to time with aspects of their daily lives, yet this shared purpose and passion really did seem to transcend those difficulties, even if only briefly.  Being an RDA volunteer thus provides a regular opportunity to not only give something special of oneself to others, but also receive a precious gift in return.

I note that there is not a single indexed reference to horses in the 270 pages of ‘Flourish’, but surely this is an oversight that a subsequent book will address?  In what is likely to be a fairly long list for some of the more fortunate children of the 21st century, what makes life most worth living simply has to include sharing time with like-minded people and, allergies-allowing, a horsey mate?

 

 

 

 

 

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Calling all College Chess Players

The Warwick Regional Interschool Chess Tournament for 2019 is just around the corner, and Mr Anastasi is calling for nominations to represent the College.  Tournament details are as follows:

WHO:              Open to all students from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Entrants must have a basic knowledge of the game (i.e. how the pieces move).

WHEN:            Friday, May 24 2019 (Term 2, Week 5); 9 am to 2 pm

WHERE:           Assumption College (6 Locke Street Warwick)

DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE: 16th May 2019.

COST:              $15.00 per student (Less than the $16.50 noted on the attached flier). This can be charged to your school account.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO DO:

Complete, copy and paste the following into a SEQTA message, and send to Mr Anastasi.

Dear Mr Anastasi,

Student name:

Date of Birth:

Year Group:

I give consent to attendance at the May Chess Tournament at Assumption College.

 

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EQ News

Main Image: Shakira Hilton (Year 4)

Georgia Rohde | EQ Captain

Last weekend, part of the team competed at the Pony Club Gymkhana at the Warwick Show Grounds. As always, our riders rode well and had fun competing (which is what it’s all about!) We’d like to congratulate Shakira Hilton, who came home with second in the campdraft and first in formal gymkhana. Hannah Gordon placed first in the formal gymkhana and Natasha Paganin placed fifth overall in formal gymkhana. These three girls had a great weekend and we are very proud of their efforts.

This weekend the team are tacking up and heading off for the Darling Downs Inter-School event in Dalby.  Best of luck everyone!

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

T2W4 Co-curricular Programme

T2W4 Sport Fixtures

Darling Downs Trial Success

This past Tuesday 16 SCOTS PGC students participated in Darling Downs trials across three sports with some exceptional success.

U15 Basketball - From our 6 participants in the Border District teams three of our girls managed to book themselves a ticket to Cairns in the Darling Downs Team. We congratulate Jekeira Major, Summer Jacks and Bryoni Marshall on their selection and wish them well at the State Championships in August in Cairns.

U15 Rugby Union - A further 6 students took to the rugby field at Downlands to contest these trials. Congratulations to Hank Zammit and Kaleb Chidgzey for making the team, who will head to Highfields for the State Championships also in early August. Max Keable was named as shadow for the team, whilst Mr Vladimir Savovski, Mr Anthony Savovski and Mr Jonathan Fender will coach and manage the Darling Downs Team at the Championship giving the team a truly SCOTS flavour. Best of luck to all as they contest these championships.

10-19 years Orienteering - Four of our students contested the titles at Cooby Dam (north of Toowoomba) and they enjoyed significant success. William Gilmore and Ewan McFarland were selected in the senior boy’s squad whilst Chloe Wainwright was selected in the intermediate girls squad to contest the State Championships in which Darling Downs has developed a commanding reputation as one of the most successful regions in the state. William Lawrence was named as third Reserve for the senior boys’ team and is to be commended on his efforts.

Next Week we wish Adam McDonald and Tanner Grant all the best at the Darling Downs 12 years Football Trials in Stanthorpe, whilst on Tuesday, 18 of our students will take on the new Highfields Cross Country Course for the Darling Downs 10-19 years Cross Country selection trials

Debating Success

In more recent news, our Year 7 Debaters scored a huge win over Toowoomba Grammar on Wednesday night and will move through to the next round. More debating news in our next issue.

Darling Downs Equestrian Championships

This coming weekend our students will compete in Dalby at the Darling Downs Equestrian Championships and all looks good for a strong showing from the talented team led by new co-ordinator Grace Buckholz. We wish all students the very best for a fantastic weekend of competition.

Rugby 7's

Our girls travel to both Chinchilla and Toowoomba for this weekend’s round of the Darling Downs Teenage 7's competition so it will be an early start for some as they head off to continue to develop their skills. Players to watch with representative spots being considered across the competition are Molly Turnbull, Shona McFarland, and Niamh Fender for the Under 15 and Under 17 teams whilst our U13's are showing some promise for the future with some strong tacklers and ball runners amongst them.

Inter-District Netball

Heading in the other direction to Gatton are our Inter-District Netball Teams. Our three teams are developing well with the continuously high level of competition at these events and we are certainly looking forward to entering the Junior Vicki Wilson and Senior Vicki Wilson Tournaments later this year on the back of this improvement. This coupled with the success of our Tuesday night teams shows promising signs of development that bode well for future years if we can keep the momentum moving forward.

QCIS Events

Next week, Friday 17 May, will see the QCIS Cross Country come to SCOTS PGC with some very talented runners on show from across the region. Our SCOTS runners to watch include Chloe Wainwright, Riley Wainwright, Benjamin Carey, Eliana Jones, Sam Harvey, and Ewan McFarland who all demonstrated they have what it takes at last week's Border District and Southern Downs Carnivals.

On 7 June  we travel to Brisbane for the QCIS 9-A-Side Football at Ambrose Treacy College. Teams are growing fast across the year levels of 5-12 so if you want to be involved and play for the College at this event get your reply to Mr Bradbury ASAP via SEQTA.

Coming Events

Darling Downs Finals for Judging and Parading May 18 at Crows Nest Showgrounds

SCOTS PGC Equestrian Event May 24- 25 at Morgan Park

Darling Downs Cross Country May 21 at Highfields

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Thanks Mum

Our Prep students hosted a wonderful assembly this week in honour of Mother’s Day which will be celebrated this Sunday.  The assembly was focussed on mothers and recognised what we love about our Mums, Grandmothers or the special female role models in our life.  It was followed up by some fun craft activities in the Prep – 4 classrooms and completed with a nice morning tea.

We’ll be sharing a special Mother’s Day video this Sunday on our Facebook page to say thank you to our Mums.

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Fight the Flu and stay healthy!

Flu season is almost here, and the SCOTS PGC College wants to keep your children and the adults who care for them healthy.

Influenza (the ‘flu) is an infectious disease caused by a virus.  When children are in a group with other children such as in schools, the transfer of infectious diseases can become more problematic.  Influenza is one of the most common vaccines preventable causes of hospitalisation.

Queensland Health recommends the best way to protect against influenza is to get vaccinated each year.  More information can be found at the following link:  http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/82/influenza-the-flu.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the SCOTS PGC Health Centre on 07 4666 9803 Monday through until Friday 8 am – 3 pm.

 

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Firebird Fun

Chemane Fairleigh | Head of Girls' Boarding  

Our boarding girls were treated to some Queensland Firebird netball action over the weekend as part of the College’s weekend activities programme.  The girls travelled to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to watch on with many other netball enthusiasts in the hope that the Queensland Firebirds may be victorious over the Collingwood Magpies.  As expected the girls were on the edge of their seats for the entire game with the match ending in a 57 all draw.

Our activities programme is designed to provide our boarding students with opportunities to take part in outings and experiences that they might not usually access if they were at home.  Watching a professional netball match was particularly appealing for our younger girls in the boarding house, many of whom are also part of the College netball programme.  It provided an opportunity to be part of a sport they enjoy and have fun with their friends.

Stay tuned for more boarding updates in future newsletters!

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Woolworths Earn & Learn

We are excited to be taking part in the 2019 Woolworths Earn & Learn program. During the previous campaign, we were able to purchase some great resources with the points we earned, thanks to you. Collect your stickers at Woolworths and for every $10 you spend (excluding the purchase of tobacco, liquor and gift cards), you will receive a sticker. Your children can then place them on the special sticker sheet. Once completed, bring it to the JAM Office, Senior School Office or drop them into your local Woolworths collection box.

Some spare sticker sheets are available at Reception, or you can download them at the following link - earn-and-learn-sticker sheet

The more points we earn, the more we can redeem from a choice of over 10,000 educational resources including mathematics and english resources, art & crafts materials and much, much more!

We are grateful for your support and look forward to a successful programme. If you have any questions, please ask at the College.

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From the Co-curricular Desk

T2W3 Sport Fixtures

T2W3 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Darling Downs Trial Success

This past Monday SCOTS PGC students participated in Darling Downs Trials for the following sports. Congratulations to all students on their efforts.

11-12 years Rugby League

Ryan Bohm (selected), Riley Wainwright (possibles/probables), Lewis May gave a good account of himself and was unfortunate not to progress.

10-12 years Hockey:

Briana Groves (selected), Samuel Bourke (selected), James Bourke (shadow), Lachlan Groves gets a mention as he acquitted himself exceptionally well as one of the youngest at the trial.

11-12 years Netball:

Although a little old for this category it is with great pride that we announce that Holly Naughten has been selected as a student umpire to attend the State 11 years Netball Championships as 1 of only 4 darling Downs student umpires from across the Darling Downs to officiate at the 11 years and 12 years State Championships in August.

U18 Rugby Union:

We congratulate Lachlan Titus on his late inclusion in the Darling Downs Team to contest this coming weekends Queensland U18 Schools Rugby Union Championship at Sunnybank. Lachlan joins Anthony Hodges and front row partner Jonathon Winter in the Darling Downs Team. We wish these boys the best for their championship from the 2nd-5th May 2019.

Downs Rugby Representative Trials - We wish our students trialling this weekend at the DOWNS RUGBY Representative Trials all the best.

Southern Downs and Border District Cross Country

It was wonderful to play host to this year’s Southern Downs and Border District Cross Country trials on Wednesday this week.

The 12 year old girls and boy’s teams are to be commended on their team efforts with 7 top ten placings out of 8 competitors. We are extremely proud of all who competed across all age groups.

Congratulations to Riley Wainwright, Samuel Bourke, Briana Groves, Hayley Wainwright who were all selected in the Southern Downs Team to contest the Darling Downs Championships on 21 May.

Congratulations also to Benjamin Carey, Ewan McFarland and Eliana Jones for their placings and to the several top 10 performances across many age groups. Team selections to attend the Darling Downs Championship have been notified via SEQTA.

We have the QCIS Championship on 17 May and we would really like to see a full complement of participants so we can mix it with the other schools. Training will continue as per the published schedules.

JAM Athletics Carnival

Due to the early staging of the National 10-12years Track and Field in Darwin this year all carnivals have been pushed forward and as such ours is no exception. As advertised on the calendar we are holding our JAM Athletics next Friday 10 May. Please look out for details of the day on SEQTA over the weekend if not already in your inbox. All students are pre-nominated as per their age group they turn in this calendar year, i.e. 10 years born 2009. All the children need to do is turn up and they can compete. Lessons have been carried out by Mr Fender, Mrs Dwan and myself to prepare the students in a variety of events and will continue to do so up until next Friday's main event.

Upcoming Events

DD Orienteering - 10-19 years Boys and Girls

Southern Downs 11-12 years Rugby Union

DD U15 Boys and Girls Basketball - Wednesday May 8 - EOI's direct to Mr Bradbury

DD U15 Boys Rugby Union

QCIS Cross Country - 10-19 years - Team selected

DD Cross Country - invited runners from our team's performances at BD and SD

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | EQ Captain

Over the weekend a selection of Equestrian team members competed at Aquis Champions Tour which was held at Elysian Fields. This is a significant event that runs for 9 days and attracts a large number of competitors. So far our riders have competed very well and had a great time.  The competition ends this weekend so we’ll have a wrap up of results in next week’s newsletter.

The Equestrian Team would also like to congratulate Sam Sargood who was part of the Queensland Junior Boys Polocrosse team.  Sam competed in the Barastoc Interstate competition last week as part of the World Cup series. Queensland were unable to walk away with a win, but we as a College are very proud of his efforts. We all are busy preparing for our Darling Downs Interschool Championships which will be held in Dalby commencing next Friday 10 May through to Sunday 12 May – Good luck everyone!

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Important Reminders

Monday 6 May – Public Holiday

Thursday 9 May

  • Junior School Assembly followed by Mother’s Day Morning Tea (Please meet for assembly in the WALEC which will begin at 8:50 am and then afterwards in the Junior School for activities and morning tea.)

RSVP to Brenda Barlow – [email protected] | Ph: 07 4666 9839

  • College Photograph Day

All students are required to have an individual photograph taken following year level photos.

Uniform Requirements for each year level are as follows:

  • Prep students need to wear their full tracksuit for the photograph
  • Year 1-6 girls need to wear their black stockings with their formal uniform
  • Year 1-6 boys need to wear their formal winter uniform
  • Year 7-12 boys and girls need to wear their formal winter uniform with blazer

All students must make sure their FORMAL WINTER UNIFORM is neat and tidy and worn properly.

Team Captains are responsible for inviting coaches and bringing any props (e.g. bats, balls, etc.).

Only Opens and Firsts' photographs will be taken in team uniform; all other teams are to be in formal uniform.

Schedules will be posted closer to the day – please refer to SEQTA for this information.

Photo order forms have been sent home – all orders must be lodged online before 9 May 2019.  Please download the form HERE for more information on ordering.

Friday 10 May  - JAM Athletics Carnival

 9.00am start and the College Coffee machine will be operating again in the canteen

 

 

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Study Skills and the new QCE system

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

The introduction of external exams in 2020 has increased the emphasis on study skills.  As part of the College’s commitment to preparing the students, we will be running a targeted study skills session for our Year 10, 11 and 12 students on Monday, 20 May.   Later on the same day, we will be offering a parent session on study skills from 5 pm – 6 pm in the WALEC.  If you are interested in learning how you can support your child, please come along to this session.

Year 10 students will also be discussing their options for next year and beyond as part of the SET Plan process. There will be an interview on travel day at the start of next term, Monday 15 July 2019.  If you have any questions about the new system, ATAR or the SET Plan process, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

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Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provide financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. Applications are now open and must be submitted by 31 May 2019 (no late submissions will be accepted). Please see the flyer below and click on the following link to apply - https://www.schooltransport.com.au/check-your-eligibility/bfap/

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Vincent Van Gogh visits Year One

Shell Campbell | Year One Teacher

Vincent Van Gogh a very famous painter from the Netherlands, was known for his bold use of colour and expressive brushwork.  Even though he died quite young, his unique style made him one of the most influential artists in the modern world.  He is most famous for his painting, “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.”  He even liked to paint himself and at one point in time, he cut off his ear!

Year One learned about Vincent Van Gogh and studied his paintings last term.  We discovered the techniques involved with shading, highlighting and learned all about cool and warm colours.  Our budding young artists made some oil pastel drawings of sunflowers of their own and some constructed sunflowers in vases.

Later at the end of the term, our Year Five friends visited us and we used IPad technology to colour in some of his famous paintings with a similar variety of colours.

 

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Appreciating the Importance of Values

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein

The time around ANZAC day is truly special for everyone at SCOTS PGC College. Anzac Day is a time of reflection: to reflect on what the original Anzacs did for all of us, and the values they represent.  It was amazing to see many of our students many wear their grandparents' service medals as proudly as they wear their own.  Children are the heirs of the Anzac legacy and, as the College, they have embraced it with great respect and dignity.

Nothing represented this more than the wonderful turnout for the dawn service last Tuesday morning and the parade on ANZAC day itself.  If you were a casual observer on Wednesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that SCOTS PGC College was the largest school in Warwick.  The commitment, presentation and respect that every student showed is a testament to the values our community holds dear.  It was with great pride I marched behind the dulcet tones of our stupendous pipe and drums band as we made our way along Palmerin Street.  This is part of what makes our College so special.  It is our values, above all else, that defines us.

“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.” - William S. Burroughs

For our former and current serving members, Anzac Day is about mateship. Those they have served alongside, the mates they lost, and those who they stood beside next to the cenotaph.  We acknowledge the battlers and the heroes and salute the hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women who paid with their lives in the service of our nation.  At SCOTS PGC College we especially acknowledge the magnificent 42 past students whom gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom and security.  If you have not had the chance to view the wonderful video on our Facebook page of the dawn service I entreat you to do so.  It is a very moving and emotive tribute.

https://www.facebook.com/scotspgc/videos/2175921165817635/

As a College we endeavour to deliver a holistic education, highlighting the importance of values, sport and co-curricular and academic excellence as part of a whole.  Based on the quality of spirit and respect of the ladies and gentlemen present at the dawn service and the ANZAC day parade then, as a whole community, we should be very proud.

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Pipes and Drums Update

Sandy Dalziel | Pipes and Drums Master

It’s been a busy period for our students which culminates this week with three major performances –playing at the official opening of the Adina Polocrosse World Cup on Monday, our College Dawn service on Wednesday morning and finishing with the Warwick ANZAC parade yesterday.

We’d also like to highlight the wonderful efforts of our band members throughout the term and over the holidays.  A week before the end of term Dhanyil Jackson (Year 10), Talia Simmers (Year 10), Shona McFarland (Year 10), and Nicholas Jackson (Year 5), travelled to NSW to play with the Governor Macquarie Pipe Band in the junior and higher grade band competition with Nicholas also on stage as part of the piper-group playing with rockstar, John Farnham.

On the last day of Term 1, we took a small ensemble, Drum Major Aidan Ryan (Year 11), Pipe Major Abby Dalziel (Year 11), Pipe Sergeant Georgie Hackett (Year 11), Drum Sergeant Dhanyil Jackson (Year 10), Talia Simmers (Year 10), Isabel Mauch (Year 10), Nicholas McGahan (Year 9), Samuel Bourke (Year 7), Lucy Unwin (Year 6), James Bourke (Year 5) and Nicholas Jackson (Year 5) to the Warwick Community Kindergarten.  We had the kindy kids listening, playing, marching and asking questions. Our students reflected on their instruments and everyone had much fun connecting through music.

On the first weekend of holiday Pipe Major Abby Dalziel travelled to Adelaide to compete in the inaugural Australian Solo Piping Championships.  Abby was delighted to come 3rd in the Open Bronze Medal.  Abby received strong reviews from two world-level judges on all her performances.

Pipes and Drums Master Sandy Dalziel was a judge at the Brisbane contest.   He received an Australian Pipe Band Commendation on behalf of our Pipes and Drums for outstanding efforts in Scotland and Western Front in 2018.

At Easter, Dhanyil Jackson (Year 10), the Mauch sisters - Isabel (Year 10), Rosalie (Year 8), Sarah (Year 6) and Leah (Year 5), Nicholas Jackson (Year 5) with Drum Tutor Ali Manfield and Teacher/Piper Fraser Bolton supported our local community band, Warwick Thistle in the street parade.  They were delighted to come away with a win at the 115th MacLean Highland Gathering.

In the solo elements, our band members were rewarded for the efforts yet again.  Congratulations to  Shona McFarland (2nd Tenor), Dhanyil Jackson (3rd Snare) and Christopher McCosker (3rd Piping Jig).

Christopher McCosker (Year 11) and Ewan McFarland (Year 10) played at the junior and in higher grade band competition with Ipswich Pipe Band in Brisbane and at MacLean Highland Gathering with fellow student, Nicholas McGahan.  The boys played alongside past students gaining valuable experience and friendships.

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Come and Try! Once again our supervised 'Have a Go' Pipes and Drums sessions for any students in Year 2 and above will run after school, starting on Monday 3:20pm until 4:20pm in Kingswood. We hope to see you there!

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An Exceptional Start

Kyle Thompson - Principal

This week has been exceptional. Exceptionally busy, with exceptional events and services, exceptional performances and an exceptional amount of work and commitment from staff, students and families.

It is quite evident the SCOTS PGC ANZAC Service is such an integral part of who we are as a school, but even more than that, it is an integral part of the broader community. Our students' involvement with this service, the reverence they show toward those who went before them and provided them with the foundation of the lives they now live, demonstrates the ongoing spirit, respect and connection to our national identity. I cannot commend strongly enough our students who were involved in this service, for how they presented, performed and conducted themselves.

Similarly, our students were actively supportive of the Warwick Community Service held on ANZAC day, marching with pride, beautifully turned out, and front and centre in our community showing a great sense of occasion. I know that I am biased, but watching our students one cannot help feel a great sense of pride in belonging to SCOTS and being part of something greater than one’s self. Again, I am in awe of the students that marched and represented the College on ANZAC Day. It shows us that our future is well assured, given the wonderful young men and women attending our school and their commitment to the community.

In recognising these students, it is well worth noting the importance of our Pipes and Drums to our identity and to that of the broader community as well. We receive many accolades as a result of our band and they perform with passion and commitment on so many occasions.  On reflection, this is also why our uniform is so important; as a representation of who we are and embedding our sense of belonging. Watching our students and our Band, wearing their kilts and formal uniform, and engaged so actively in the broader community was very powerful and emotive for those of us watching this week. I thank and commend all who were involved.

As I mentioned above, our SCOTS PGC Service is arguably the most significant event on our calendar. I provide the following in recognition of the number of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure this service is all it should be:

Wendy Whittaker and Shell Campbell continue to do incredible things with our choir as well as our sound system - no mean feat. The performance and turn out of our choir on this important morning was exceptional.

John Telfler (JT) continues to prep our students for, and have input into, our service and we are grateful for his ongoing support of the College in this regard.

Christine Peterson in helping organise our cross bearers.  Christine did a magnificent job in ensuring this critical part of the ceremony went seamlessly. Christine also is instrumental in assisting our Pipes and Drums in being ready for their important roles.

Danni Reading did a fantastic job on the clock tower to ensure our piper, and our flag were all on point.

Our maintenance and cleaning staff worked tirelessly in preparing for the morning and, as always, Greg Free had the College grounds looking tremendous in what has been a challenging period of weather.

Helen Bohm's photography skills were again at the fore and I am sure we all look forward to seeing more of these photos as she processes them and posts them to our various communications platforms.

Thanks also to John Rogers and his tireless catering team for all their work on a busy morning providing us with a great post event breakfast.

Clare Cartmill did a flawless job on the entry to the dining hall.

Sandy Dalziel and our Pipes and Drums for representing our community and us so brilliantly

And, finally and significantly, Carissa Miller who ensured our morning service went to plan.

In closing, I trust all our families had a very happy Easter and we look forward to this term and all it will bring for our students and staff.

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SCOTS PGC soaks up Polocrosse action

Main Image: Year 11 Student Sam Sargood representing Queensland in the Polocrosse Interstate Junior Barastoc Competition this week

The hype of the Polocrosse World Cup has the whole town buzzing this week, especially within our own SCOTS PGC community.  The College has had the opportunity to be involved in the week-long event which has provided fantastic exposure for the school itself and the chance for our students to represent our College with pride as well as show their commitment to service to the Warwick community at an event that has attracted visitors from near and far.

The week kicked off with an invitational performance from our Pipes and Drums at the World Cup Opening Ceremony.  What a wonderful way to show off our College and the talent of our students which has been reaffirmed by some of the great feedback we have received from polocrosse visitors.

Our hospitality students have been helping out each day at Morgan Park in the canteen or at the various VIP events.  The practical experience for our hospitality students has been excellent.

Boys and girls from Year 6 and 7 visited the grounds on Tuesday to watch international games and soak up the polocrosse atmosphere.  It was great to see our students cheering on the Aussie team and enjoy themselves in doing so.

Some of us were also lucky enough to witness the exemplary horsemanship skills of Year 11 student, Sam Sargood who is representing Queensland in the Interstate Barastoc competition this week. We wish Sam every success for his remaining games this week.

The polocrosse wraps up this weekend.  From all accounts, we can highly recommend watching a game if you have the opportunity.  Please also stop in and say hello to our staff who have busily manned our SCOTS PGC tent all week.

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USQ Aviation Experience

Our SCOTS PGC students checked in from the USQ flight deck after a day spent experiencing all things aviation at the end of last term.

Students from Year 9 and 10 were invited to the USQ campus in Springfield to take part in a range of aviation focussed activities, which involved flying drones, a paper plane challenge and taking the controls in a 737-800 flight simulator. Other practical skills like problem-solving and building an efficient team were also part of the programme.

All in all, this was a great experience for our students which opened their eyes to yet another pathway for the future. Thank you to USQ Aviation for a fantastic day!

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Stud Texel Rams for sale

  • 2-tooth stud Texel Ram $500
  • 4-tooth stud Texel Ram $500

For more information, please contact Carel Rothman on 07 4666 9811 or [email protected]

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Exploring Science in Prep

Sharyn Bomford | Prep Teacher

Throughout the term, our Prep students participated in a range of hands-on activities to investigate the survival needs of plants, animals and humans, and how our senses help us to stay alive.

Our boys and girls explored a whole range of living things and what requirements they have to survive.  To help identify and analyse these needs, our students brought in photographs of family pets to share with the class and discuss how we look after different types of animals. The class enjoyed making a pet dog from box construction and building a shelter for their dog in the block corner. They also created a poster to highlight how to care for a dog.  It was very exciting when Eliza brought in her pet chicken. She stepped us through how to care for chickens and we all loved giving her chicken a pat.

Watching our bean seeds sprout was also a highlight that demonstrated the survival needs of a plant. The children recorded observations of their bean seed changing and growing in their seed observation journals. Once their seeds sprouted, the children then had to plant their seedling into a pot.  We all thoroughly enjoyed learning about living last term!

 

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EQ News

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the holidays our Equestrian team has remained very busy. The weekend after the last day of term, 15 of our members headed to the Glennie Interschool event in Toowoomba. All of our riders rode very well with everyone placing in their individual classes. Phoebe Sellick, Sophie Poole and Shakira Hilton were all named champion riders in their class.

We also had Maddie Keddy compete at the Toowoomba One Day event over the holidays a few of us went off to Pittsworth for show jumping where Thomas Keable was awarded the winner in the Junior championships.  Well done to all members that rode during the holidays – you all did a wonderful job and I’m sure you’ll agree that we all had fun in doing so.

Best of luck to Sam Sargood this week out at the Adina Polocrosse World Cup, who is competing for the Queensland Junior Boys. We are all looking forward to a very busy term ahead with the Darling Downs event the next on our calendar on the 10-12 May.  We are also busily preparing for our SCOTS Extravaganza event very soon after.

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Fight the Flu! From the Health Centre

EOI for Student Fluvax Clinic 31 May 2019

Following on from the success of last year's student Fluvax clinic we are seeking expressions of interest from parents and carers to be able to host the clinic again this year.  Our external provider will be establishing an online payment and booking system and has given us a costing of roughly $15 per vaccination ($25 for non-medicare eligible).

The plan is to run a full day Fluvax clinic at the Health Centre on Friday 31 May.

We are inviting all parents, carers and staff to send an EOI email (please add EOI Fluvax in the subject bar) to the Health Centre as soon possible at [email protected] so we can identify staffing requirements for the clinic.  An email or SEQTA message will be forwarded shortly to parents and carers outlining the process for this vaccination clinic.

 

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From the Uniform Shop

Deb Perry | Uniform Shop Convenor

Holiday Opening Hours

Don't forget that the Uniform Shop will be open over the holidays at the usual operating times, Monday, Wednesday & Friday (excluding public holidays) - 8.15am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4.00pm.

Term 2 will resume on Tuesday 23 April and all students will be expected to wear the winter uniform.  Please make use of the holiday opening hours to organise uniforms as the first day back students will be commencing classes at the usual start time.

Centenary Merchandise

Another reminder that Centenary merchandise is on sale from the Uniform Shop.  We have a great range of stock to help commemorate our College's 100 years.  Orders can be placed online at www.scotspgc100.com and collected or posted from the Uniform Shop.

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EDwoodUCATION – Holiday Activities

Are you looking for something fun and interesting to do these school holidays?

Great news!  SCOTS PGC is hosting the S.T.A.R.S. Holiday Program which will run on April 15 & 16 over the holiday break.  Run by EDwoodUCATION, the programme will include a great number of activities that cater to the active as well as the contemplative students.  Your students will enjoy the sporting, animation, robotics, reading and science options that EDwoodUCATION have planned.

EDwoodUCATION is a Toowoomba-based educational initiative founded and directed by Ted Carter.  Ted is a fully qualified teacher with over eight years of classroom experience. His holiday programmes are fun, engaging and well enjoyed by the students that participate.

To register for the programme, please visit the website here

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director Co-Curricular Activities

As the term draws to a close we have had yet another week of activities that should fill us all with that special kind of pride that is alive and well within our SCOTS PGC community.  The highlight of the week has to be our Interclan Cross Country carnival - a spectacular whole college event, closely followed by the wonderful efforts from each of our individual activities, which have been reported on by our captains in the Captains Corner segment or as their own individual articles.  For now and until next term, here is a wrap of the cross country.

In what were near perfect conditions we conducted our annual  Interclan Cross Country yesterday with a fantastic turnout from our students, staff and their families. In what was a slightly new format over our new course from last year we saw the junior and senior races intertwined to create a fantastic whole school atmosphere. The age group results showed we have some great depth in certain age groups and a couple of outstanding individuals coming through the ranks. Ewan McFarland, Sam Harvey, Benjamin Carey and Evan Doughboy were the most outstanding of the lads whilst Zara Kruger, Eliana Jones and Hayley Wainwright proved quite impressive.

The Age Champions were as follows:

5 years - Elsie Davis, Jack Unwin
6 years - Isabelle Pettiford, Andrew Amos
7 years - Jemmah Neilsen, Treshawne Achari
8 years - Naomi Ratcliffe, Cooper Keogh
9 years - Hannah Bourke, Colby Miller
10 years - Hayley Wainwright, Lachlan Groves
11 years - Ellyse Kruger, Bailey Harm
12 years - Briana Groves, Riley Wainwright
13 years - Zara Kruger, Benjamin Carey
14 years - Eliana Jones, Evan Doughboy
15 years - Hannah Gordon, Sam Harvey
16 years - Shona McFarland, Ewan McFarland
Open - Amelia Meek, Samuel Proudlove

The team for Southern Downs and Border District on 1 May have been named and training programs have been distributed (check your SEQTA). This will be a great opportunity to move forward to the Regionals on May 21st so be sure to train well over the break.

In the Clan competitions, the following category winners were awarded.

Girls:

Ross Cup, Junior Inter-clan Cross Country (13,14,15 years) - Cameron
Counsell Cup, Senior Cross Country (16,17 years) - Leslie

Boys:

Angus Cup, Junior Inter-clan Cross Country (13,14,15 years) - Cameron
Kingswood Shield, Senior Cross Country (16,17 years) - Leslie

Overall:

Nitschke Cup for Champion Clan age group 13 years and older - Leslie
Middle School Champion Clan age group 9 to 12 years - Cameron
STANDARDS Champion Clan (Participation trophy) - Mackay

The results show there may be a changing of the guard with Cameron certainly gaining momentum in the junior end of the school. We will be interested to see if Leslie can hold on one more year in 2020. Congratulations to all on their efforts this week and best of luck to all at the Southern Downs and Border District Championships, and the QCIS Cross Country on 17 May. I would like to express my deepest thanks to all who contributed to the success of the day, the academic staff out on course, the admin staff for prep of certificates, photography and ancillary details, the kitchen and maintenance staff for all their hard work, the parents manning the canteen and students themselves for their outstanding efforts. Special thanks to Mr Fender and Mr Wilson for their assistance in setting up in the early hours of the morning. It has been a true community effort for all to be proud of.

Arranmore Sport - Term 2

At this point in time, we are offering the following in Term 2 for the Arranmore and Junior Programs:

Keep an eye out for Tennis in the near future with planning for this well underway and a schedule of available sessions being drafted as we speak.

There are lots of activities to keep our youngsters engaged.  We also offer the following activities, which have been operating all term:

  • JAM Choir
  • Cattle Club
  • Sheep Club
  • Debating
  • Equestrian
  • Coding and Robotics
  • Pipes and Drums
  • Sustainability Club

For details please contact Mr Bradbury on 0419 657 676 or via SEQTA.

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Captains Corner | An around the grounds update

Cattle Club

Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

The Cattle Club headed off to their last regional show, over the weekend - the Toowoomba Royal Show.  Toowoomba presented a cold, wet day for the Royal event, yet the Cattle Club members kept their heads high. The team judged Lowline cattle, an unusually small breed of cattle, with the largest beasts weighing in at a mere 300kg.

Despite the difficulty, Josh Hullock and Marty Worboys were asked to speak about their judgements and Clay Armstrong came away with first place in the over 15years, age group.

The Cattle Club team thanks everyone for their support during the 2019 show season and look forward to the Ekka in term 3.

Equestrian

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The Toowoomba Royal Show was the second last event to close out our first term of equestrian.  Despite being a wet weekend in the Toowoomba arena we had three riders competing in the SCOTS PGC colours. Our star of the weekend was Tom Keable who placed fifth on Friday and second and fourth on Saturday. We are all looking forward to Glennie Interschool event this weekend coming as well as some of our riders competing over the holidays in different events and disciplines.

In our first week back Sam Sargood will be representing the Queensland Junior Boys in the Interstate Barastoc Polocrosse competition at Adina World Cup Polocrosse event.  Best of luck to Sam - we will all be cheering for you!

Netball

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

Our netball teams had great games this week in the town competition.  The SCOTS Open girls endured a nail-biting match against their old rivals, Strikers which ended in a very tight victory 30 to 29! It was an awesome game to watch which had spectators on the edge of their seats right up until the final hooter.  The SCOTS 2 team played the Mumbas and had a great game in both defence and attack with the final score 27 to 13 to SCOTS.

Well done to all of our members on a great term of netball.  Our next Inter-District Carnival will be on 28 April.  At this stage, numbers will be tight due to some conflicting priorities, however, we hope to be able to field teams where possible.

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Reminders for Term 2

The commencement of Term 2 is set to be one of our busiest yet.  Here are a few things to keep in mind for the first week back:

Easter Monday (22 April)

  • Our SCOTS PGC Pipe Band will be at the Opening of the Adina World Cup Polocrosse.  Please come along and support them if you are able.  The Opening ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 am at IOR Morgan Park.

Tuesday 23 April

  • School resumes  - Please note, there is no scheduled Travel Day like the beginning of most terms.  Students will resume classes as per the regular Week A timetable.
  • All students need to be wearing their Winter uniform from this day.
  • Year 6 & 7 classes will be taking a visit out to IOR Morgan Park to watch some polocrosse.  If your child is involved in the College ANZAC service, they will be participating in practice sessions instead.

Wednesday 24 April 

  • The College ANZAC Dawn service will commence at 6:00am sharp.  Please be at the College Cenotaph and seated by 5:45am. College families and friends are invited to join us for breakfast afterwards at a small cost of $10 per person.  Seats are limited, so bookings are essential through our Reception office.  (We will be open over the holidays!)

Thursday 25 April

  • ANZAC Day.  This is a public holiday, however, all students are strongly encouraged to take place in the town ANZAC service.  We will be marching down the main street.  More details to follow.

Friday 26 April & Saturday 27 April

  • As part of our sponsorship of the Adina World Cup Polocrosse event, the College is hosting school tours on Friday and Saturday from 9-11am.  Some students may be involved in hosting tour groups or will be part of assisting our College representation at the Polocrosse.  Details will be sent via SEQTA.
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An Easter Message

Rev. Willie Liebenberg | College Chaplain

This week's assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Easter with our middle and senior school students. It is a complicated message to deliver and comprehend in the 21st century.  How can I capture the imagination or even just the attention of our students and make it relevant to the world they live in?  I understand that quite often we see Easter as a time where we focus on the Easter bunny and chocolate eggs - but that is not the true spirit of Easter. I have found an excellent clip that illustrates Easter's real meaning.  It is delivered in a unique way which relates to the world we live in today where social media is central to everyday life. So, why not use social media in a positive way?  I don't want to provide too many details, but I would like to challenge you to watch the clip alone or maybe with your family as you enter the Easter holidays.

Please watch here:  https://youtu.be/T2u2fuFpY_c   - ENJOY!

Blessed Easter to all of our SCOTS PGC families

Rev. Willie

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Sport, Community and the Development of Young Men and Women

Kyle Thompson | Principal 

Community. We tend to throw this word around quite a bit in our workplaces, our schools and even our political landscape, but what does it really mean and how does sport play a part in ensuring our community is a healthy one? In the educational space, i.e. schools, sport is a vital aspect of the holistic development of individuals, that in turn go on to influence the society in which we live.

This week alone at SCOTS PGC I have heard many stories about the different ways our boys and girls, staff, and parents engage in activities outside of the traditional classroom. Sporting fields and venues provide a different learning space and a different form of interaction between the stakeholders in our children’s lives.

I believe that a community, especially in a school context, isn’t just about participating or competing in sporting activities, it’s also about supporting others in their endeavours. It’s about doing one’s best individually to advance a cause whilst also helping others to achieve and contribute. This is the essence of a strong community as well as being evident in team sport.

As someone who has coached a cricket team, I believe this “team” is an excellent representation of what a community is and does. Indeed, one could draw the analogy from any number of sports but for this purpose, I’ll stick to the cricket ideology.

A cricket team, like society, indeed like a school, is made up of individuals. Individuals all of whom have a specific task or expertise. The community requires these individuals to perform their task and achieve individually for the collective to achieve as a whole. Also, each member of this cricket community has a different role to play. There are top order batsmen who have a different role to the middle order and to the lower order. Even in defining these roles there needs to be flexibility. We have bowlers of all shapes and sizes, not to mention the differences in what they bowl and how fast or slow they do it. Each job is different, yet each contributing to the community. Members of this community have good days and bad days, days where their contribution is vital, days where it is not, just as happens in life. Different jobs, different personalities, not everyone necessarily having the same success on a given day. Every member of that community, for it to be successful, needs to be prepared to provide energy and support for those who need it, knowing that it will be returned.

This cricket analogy applies to the whole school context. Our school communities are filled with boys and girls, parents and staff. Each brings an individuality, a different skill set, a different way of doing things. Each are related by their individual roles, working for a common outcome or benefit. Each will have good days, and not so good days, each will rely on the other at times. Parents rely on the school, the school needs the help of the parents, the boys and girls need the staff and their parents, as we need them. Each for different reasons at different times. It is this melting pot of skills, personalities and potential that forms our personality, our community.

In observing the many varied sporting activities over the first term of this school year I have seen our seniors helping our preps become part of our community. I’ve seen the seniors in our swim team supporting the more junior members of the College in one of our competitive swim meets, I’ve seen the sports leaders or captains recognised for all they do, and equally those students recognise and support the efforts of others. I’ve also seen the amazing work done by teachers and coaches, each different to the other, working with individuals and groups of boys and girls. Again, community at work. I’ve also seen and heard about conversations being held about sport giving teachers and parents the verbal resources to support and educate our boys and girls. And, I’ve seen constantly parents working tirelessly to provide this wonderful opportunity to their sons and daughters. The opportunity of developing physical literacy, a sense of belonging, a sense of collective and individual achievement and a sense of overcoming or dealing with disappointment and adversity. What a dynamic, colourful and human place a school is, just as a sporting team is too. Equally, sport provides much of the colour and diversity to a community whilst at the same time providing the glue that can bind a community together. Whilst it may not always be perfect, in its human way it is all it should be to allow our boys and girls, and our community, to evolve and develop, providing the skills to not only change a culture within a school, but beyond school walls and in society in general.

So, I believe that sport is far more than just sport. It reflects and helps develop a strong community and has the power and ability to not just influence individuals but a whole community. Can we truly develop our young people without exposing them to what it means to be part of a team or sporting group? I think it becomes far more difficult to provide the educational experiences required to produce contributors to our communities and society without such experiences.

In short, as an educator of nearly 30 years, I provide the following from an educational and parental perspective (Mouthsofmums.com.au) when I think of the time and expense involved in an independent school’s sporting program…

People ask "Why do you pay so much money for your kids to attend their school and do all those sports”?

People aren’t paying for their kids to do sports as such but we are investing in the following…

- those moments when my kids become so tired they want to quit but don't.

- those days when my kids come home from school and are "too tired" to go to their training but they go anyway.

- for my kids to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.

- for my kids to learn to take care of their body and equipment.

- for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good teammates, gracious in defeat and humble in success.

- for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that placing or title they'd hoped for, but still, they go back week after week giving it their best shot.

- for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals.

- for my kids to respect, not only themselves but other riders, officials and coaches.

- for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.

- for my kids to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long term goals.

- for the opportunity my kids have and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of their achievements as I am.

- so that my kids can be out on the track instead of in front of a screen...

...I could go on but, to be short, we are involved in far more than sports when we are involved in sports; the opportunities that sport provides to kids develops attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to enhance the lives of others. From what I have seen so far, over 30 years, sport is a great investment as well as great fun!

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Captains Corner | an around the grounds update

Cattle Club
Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

When asked about their success at the 2019 Warwick show, the Cattle Club members were quoted as saying, ‘we certainly cleaned up’. Warwick Show attracted a large pool of competitors with other schools coming in from near and far to parade and judge for the weekend.

Travelling our shortest distance yet, the Cattle Club competed at Warwick show on the weekend, succeeding in all aspects of the show ring.   Matariki Saxton came home with a first in the 12 to 15 age group in Paraders and Lily Emmerton placed fourth, followed by George Handley in fifth place and Mia Bischoff in sixth.

In the stud junior judges section, Arena Wheeler placed third in the 15 to 21 years age group. The 12 to 15 years age group saw Lily Emmerton tie first with Marty Worboys and Mia Bischoff third. Arena Wheeler came out as Grand Champion of the Prime Beef Junior Judging.

All cattle club team members are to be commended on their hard work and commitment to the team throughout the 2019 show season. This weekend we will be competing in the Junior Judge’s competition at Toowoomba Royal Show.

Equestrian
Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Last weekend, our team competed in two locations where Sophie Brennan headed off to the Wide Bay Regional competition in Caboolture, and 20 of our team members rode locally at the Warwick Show.

Sophie Brennan enjoyed huge success coming home with third overall in the Intermediate Novice, third in the Secondary 4 Phase Showman and Champion Show Hunter.  What a brilliant effort!

Meanwhile, at Warwick, the team also enjoyed triumphs in the ring and continued to show their outstanding sportsmanship. Georgia Rohde came home as the Junior Country Champion jumping double clear 1.20m. Our youngest rider Shakira Hilton competed in her first-ever 80cm jump on both horses and did an outstanding job.

We are all looking forward to Glennie Interschool Competition in 2 weeks.

Netball
Estie Wiid | Netball Coach (on behalf of Amelia Meek - Netball Captain)

On Sunday the 24 March, three of our teams participated in Day 2 of the Inter-District Carnivals hosted at Dalby.

Despite the extreme heat, our girls showed great perseverance and character with excellent performances on the court throughout the day. The 11- 12 years girls demonstrated a significant improvement with two wins against Fassifern and Dalby. The defence players intercepted many balls for their team and the shooters worked their way around the goal circle to add points on the scoreboard.

Both the older teams had three wins each and showed fantastic teamwork, encouraging and supporting one another from beginning to end. Millie Groves, who is new to our netball team this year must receive special mention for exceptional defence. Together with Erin Keogh, the duo forced multiple turnovers throughout their games.

Our Open team did exceptionally well in the goal circle and netball captain Amelia Meek together with her team scored an easy win against Goondiwindi, before rounding it off with two more wins against Dalby and Stanthorpe.  A tougher game against Fassifern resulted in a loss, however, all players stood up to the challenge and provided a good fight until the end!

SCOTS PGC netballers Holly Naughten, Bridget Hardy and Alexandra Rickert are also representative players and contribute significantly both on and off the field as players, mentors, and umpires.  Macey Edgar and Claudia Ambrose are two of the younger representative players for the Warwick Netball & District Association.

Special thanks to Linda Bunch Secretary of the Warwick Netball & District Association for making sure teams are organised and each event is a success. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our parents and supporters. Their role greatly contributes to helping the girls to improve and succeed on the netball court!

The next carnivals will be on the 28 April, 19 May, 9 June, and Finals on the 16 June.

 

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Player Probe – Meet our Netballers!

Mrs Estie Wiid | Netball Coach

Welcome to our second Player Probe segment, where we will introduce you to our netball team members so you can learn a little more about our team and what they love.  Meet Erin and Bryoni -  the shooting stars from our Year 9/10 team.

Erin Keogh

Favourite Quote?

Falling down is an accident; staying down is a decision.

The person who has had the most influence on your netball and why?

Mrs Wiid, because she has been my netball coach since I started netball in grade 4!

Favourite Food?

Coffee, I know it’s not food and too much caffeine is bad for your health, but I love it and drink it moderately!

 

Bryoni Marshall

Favourite Quote?

Use your smile to change the world, don’t let the world change your smile

The person who has had the most influence on your netball and why?

Mrs Wiid, because she sometimes takes us to McDonalds after netball.

Favourite Food?

Hot chips from McDonalds.

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Pictured: Bailey Harm (Year 6) represented the Darling Downs at the State Swimming Championships in Chandler this week.

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

We are nearing the home stretch of Term 1 and what a wonderful term it has been!  We are so very proud of the effort and improvement we have seen so far amongst all of our students, and we are already looking forward to what Term 2 has to offer (after our students and staff have some well-deserved downtime of course!)

The past few weeks have seen various representative trials take place and we are pleased to announce results as well as share information from various events that have occurred and some that are scheduled for next week.

 

Representative Success

Last Thursday and Friday we had several students engaged in Darling Downs Trials for various sports. I am pleased to advise that the following students have subsequently been selected into the Darling Downs Team following their performances at these trials.

U18 Rugby Union: Jonathon Winter, Anthony Hodges. Buchanan Titus named as a shadow player.

U15 Football: Zara Kruger

10-12 Swimming: Bailey Harm

13-19 Swimming: William Gilmore, Cooper Harm

We congratulate all on their success and wish them well at their respective State Championships. Our swimmers hit the Chandler Pool earlier this week, and we can already advise that Bailey Harm has had a cracking result in the Boys 50m Backstroke, which has earned him a place in the Queensland squad.  Stay tuned for the full update next week. All other team championships will be held during Term 2.

 

QCIS Swimming

Although these results are a little late to hit the newsletter, we are pleased to report the results of the College Swimming team’s effort at the QCIS Swimming Carnival which was held at Downlands College on 11 March. Our swimmers as always contested events at every opportunity and covered for sickness and absences as required.

This dedication saw the team take 3rd place overall in the standings defeating the much larger schools of Concordia and Downlands. We gained 2nd place narrowly to TACAPS (now known as TAS - Toowoomba Anglican School) in the percentage trophy, proving yet again we punch well above our weight when it comes to sports in this competition.

Finally, it is with great pleasure that I announce that several records were broken by SCOTS PGC swimmers across the day. Congratulations to the following students on their efforts.

Bailey Harm - 13yrs 50m Breaststroke, 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke

William Gilmore - 16yrs 50m Butterfly

Bailey Harm, Darcy Noller, Samuel Bourke and Percy Kruger -13yrs 4x50m Freestyle Relay

The day showed a marvellous team effort from all and a testament to the dedication of our swimmers, their parents and the staff, all of whom have had a part to play in the success of our 2019 swimming team.  Thanks also to our two captains Emily and Chase for their efforts in bringing the squad together and for supporting myself and Mr Peter Wilson throughout the term - your efforts are very much appreciated.

 

College Cross Country

The College Cross Country is to be held next Thursday, April 4 and is expected to be a huge affair with races overlapping to get greater participation and atmosphere for the Inter-clan participation.

All families should have the course maps and the programme for the day in their possession (this was sent out via SEQTA).  Presentations will be made throughout the day to individual winners so parents may see their child race and then see their presentation straight after should they need to depart for work or other such appointments.

We are also seeking assistance from parents who can help out on the day with course marshalling.  Your intentions can be forwarded to Mr Tom Bradbury via SEQTA.  Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

The morning will proceed as follows:

9.10am - 16-18yrs Boys 6km

9.12am - 9yr Girls/Boys 1500m

9.25am - 11yrs Boys/Girls 3km

9.27am - 8yrs Girls/Boys 1km

9.40am - 12yrs Boys/Girls 3km

9.42am - 7yrs Boys/Girls 800m

9.55am - 13yrs Boys/Girls 3km

9.57am - 6yrs Boys/Girls 600m

10.10am - 14-18yrs Clan Participation event 2km - Non Championship Event

10.12am - 5yrs Boys/Girls 400m

10.25am - 10yrs Boys/Girls 2km

10.35am - 14yrs Boys/Girls 4km

10.40am - 15yrs Boys/Girls 4km

10.45am - 16-18yrs Girls 3km

 

Sheep Club Success!

The Sheep Club have attended a number of the local country shows this term. However last week was the Warwick Show and an opportunity for our Sheep Club students to show their skills and knowledge off to the local community.  We are very proud of the effort shown by all of our team members, and special congratulations must go to Senior Judging placegetters:

2nd place: Samantha McKechnie

3rd place: Zach McKechnie

This week the club is headed to the Toowoomba Show where we will once again take part in various classes.  Progression through the local shows allows the students to qualify for nomination to the Ekka which will take place later on in the year.  Good luck team!

 

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Reminders

Family Meet & Greet Thursday 4 April 4.30pm - A reminder for families that the College is hosting a meet and greet following the Cross Country carnival next Thursday, please RSVP your interest to Helen Bohm [email protected] or phone 07 4666 9811.

Uniform Shop Closure - The uniform Shop is currently closed and will reopen on Wednesday 3 April.

 

 

 

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Pipes & Drums News

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO (REMT) IN SYDNEY - Local Opportunity for pipers, drummers and families
A number of our local Warwick Thistle Pipe Band members are going to play at the REMT and we may be able to offer SCOTS PGC College players and family, under a private arrangement and subject to availability, the following:
- Tickets at the discount price of $149 (group purchase price)
- Bus from Tamworth to ANZ Stadium (cost around $50)
- Accommodation in Tamworth at group pricing - range of prices per night (Paradise Big 4: cabins- from $21p/p, camp ground - $20p/p; Ibis motel-$60p/p,)
- Accommodation around Sydney to be confirmed for the Saturday night - will try for similar to above

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change):
- Leave Friday afternoon 18th October - stay in Tamworth (4.5hrs)
- Bus to Sydney accommodation - go to ANZ Stadium for rehearsal and show

- Bus to Sydney accommodation overnight
- Sunday bus to Tamworth - own choice of further time in Tamworth or return straight to Warwick

Interested? If you would like to know more, please urgently contact SCOTS PGC College parent and past student Mr Dugald Macfarlane, on 0421 901 424. We are buying the Warwick Thistle group tickets by the 29 March! Join this private opportunity of a life time.


Have you thought about joining the SCOTS PGC College Pipes & Drums Band? Well now's the time!

Come along to the Pipes and Drums 'Have a Go' and Learner rehearsal 3:20 pm until 4:50 pm in Kingswood on Mondays.  Student's from Year 2 and over welcome.

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Year 2 Delve into History

Julie Gander | Year 2 Teacher

It’s been a busy time in the Year 2 classroom! During history lessons this term our boys and girls have been investigating technology and how it has changed over time.  Students have collected pieces of old and new technology to create a class museum.   The exhibits have taken our Year 2 students back in time as they explore the contrast between the old and the new - they have particularly enjoyed looking at older toys and discussing how they are different to their own toys.

Our class museum has plenty of interesting and eclectic pieces – one of these is a doll that is approximately 90 years old as well as some toys from the 1980s.  Our Year 2 students have also loved watching video tapes and listening to audio cassettes and records.   How time has changed!

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Junior School Pastoral Care

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle School

Pastoral care within SCOTS PGC is an all-encompassing programme and provides opportunities for our educators to connect and learn more about our boys and girls from a wellbeing perspective, whilst teaching our students the fundamentals to cope with and address issues they face in a positive way.

Last Friday our whole College recognised the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.  In the lead up to this day, our Junior School students were engaged in a variety of activities relating to bullying, feeling safe and supported and how they can be a good friend.

Our Year 2 students read picture stories together to learn to notice and understand the emotions of others. Understanding how to read emotional ‘clues’ to get a sense of how other people are feeling and responding to them allows children to relate appropriately to others. An activity to support the lesson involved students creating their own ‘emojis’ to show various feelings such as happy, worried, sad and calm.

Year 3 and 4 students participated in activities about how they can feel safe and ways to support other students who all have the right to feel safe and supported at school.

Our College pastoral care programme comprehensively covers a range of subject areas that apply to students from Prep right through to Year 12.  The programme is available on our website at: http://scotspgc.com.au/publications/  and under handbooks and programmes.

Don’t forget to browse through the conversation topics in SchoolTV – this a resource for parents and teachers and is available on the splash page of SEQTA.  For more information on how to navigate SchoolTV, please contact David Proudlove or myself.

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The Importance of Reading Aloud – Even to Teens

Mrs Christine Peterson | Head of Library

Over the last two weeks in Library lessons, the year 9 and 10 classes have enjoyed the experience of having a story read aloud to them.

There is something special about having a book read aloud to your child, it has been shown to build relationships and increase vocabulary.  In a recent study by the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London it was also found to impact on education, health, socioeconomic status and creativity.  The same study concluded that reading aloud improved cognitive abilities that are critical across a person’s lifetime.  Employers are now listing creativity as one of the most important future-focus skills.

While we understand the importance of reading to younger children, reading aloud is just as important for proficient readers too.  Reading aloud allows them to experience the sounds of the words – the cadences and rhythms of the sentences, enhancing the joy of the passage.

The power of imagination is stimulated through the process of reading.  Jürgen Habermas wrote of the idea of the ‘interpretive horizon’: ‘The horizons of our life histories and forms of life…’. That is, horizons, how far ahead we can look, are interpreted in the context of our repertoire of stories, both real and virtual.

Reading aloud gives children opportunities to listen in different contexts and engage in stories that grow confidence, social and life skills, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and enhance senses of identity.

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Naplan Unpacked

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle School

NAPLAN is just around the corner and is set to take place next term in Week 4 in every school Australia wide.   Along with it, the usual media frenzy will follow with significant haste so in case you are wondering what all the fuss is about we’ll explain what NAPLAN is, its purpose and what we get out of it.

What is NAPLAN and what is its purpose?

NAPLAN is an acronym which stands for National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and it is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. Students in these year levels are expected to take tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. As a College we will continue to complete the paper based tests this year, however it is likely that we will be required to do NAPLAN online tests from 2020.

Over the past 40 years, international and national testing has increased substantially. While early implementation identified a selection of students for higher education, more recent national assessments are used to evaluate curriculum implementation. As different curricula operate internationally, benchmarking has been developed to facilitate comparisons between countries or specific groups of students and identify strengths and weaknesses.

NAPLAN claims to achieve this by collecting a breadth of information that cannot be obtained from classroom assessment. Government benefits from analysis on such large data samples: outcomes for groups including males/females, indigenous and low socio-economic status students provide an evidence-base to inform policy development, targeted funding and resource allocation.

Comparing individual students to others in their state, and national benchmarks provides detailed information for teachers to inform future learning. Individual students can also be 'mapped' over time, to identify areas of improvement, or those requiring intervention. In addition, national testing assists students moving schools in that it allows immediate identification of their learning level by their new school.

There’s more to assessment than NAPLAN

Assessment is a complex and often controversial area of education in Australia.  In this context, standardised tests like NAPLAN are just one of the assessment modes that teachers and schools can use. They are easy to administer and the ‘standardisation’ means that students’ performance can be compared to that of the wider population to help answer the question ‘how is she/he going?’ or ‘where does the school rank in comparison to others?’

Learning assessment needs to encompass more than just multiple choice tests.   Observations, analysing, evaluating, questioning, problem-solving and collaborative tasks are examples that cannot be incorporated into NAPLAN in its current format.

From a teaching perspective, the key to effective assessment to identify learning needs and planning requirements needs to incorporate multiple sources of internal and external data which can be mapped and reviewed over time. Data from standardised testing can contribute, but needs to be complemented by information from other sources - NAPLAN, school based testing, analysis of work samples, formative assessment practices and teacher observation – this all helps to build a full picture of a student’s learning path.

 

For your information

The timetable for the NAPLAN tests during Week 4/Term 2 is detailed below. Possible catch up testing will take place in the afternoons or on Friday 17 May.

Students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent or carer.  This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the College.  Student withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing.

NAPLAN 2019 paper test timetable

  Tuesday 14 May 2019 Wednesday 15 May 2019 Thursday 16 May 2019
Year 3 Language conventions
45 minutesWriting
40 minutes
Reading
45 minutes
Numeracy
45 minutes
Year 5 Language conventions
45 minutesWriting
40 minutes
Reading
50 minutes
Numeracy
50 minutes
Year 7 Language conventions
45 minutesWriting
40 minutes
Reading
65 minutes
Numeracy
65 minutes
Year 9 Language conventions
45 minutesWriting
40 minutes
Reading
65 minutes
Numeracy
65 minutes
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Captains Corner | An around the grounds update

Cattle Club

Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

Inglewood show was our most successful show yet. Harnessing the skills learnt in training and previous shows, many students came away with significant personal wins. The under 13 paraders showed their ability in the ring with Mia placing first and Tilly placing second. The same high performance was carried through to the under 15 class, with Lily coming away with second place and Ellyse third. The seniors also achieved well, with Bridie placing first and Harriet third. Bridie was also awarded the champion female parader on the day.

Our young junior judges saw themselves stepping out of their comfort zones to deliver excellent speeches.  Lily placed first and Thea third in their class. Bridie came away with second place and reserve champion junior judge.

The Cattle club team was also awarded the school shield for their efforts on the weekend.  This week we are gearing up to compete on home turf at the Warwick Show.  If you are out and about on the weekend, it would be great to see some SCOTS PGC supporters lining the seats in the cattle judging arena.

Netball

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

The Opens SCOTS team has had yet another successful round of fixtures this week, taking a win in a very tight game against Killara Cruisers. Last year, Killara Cruisers were one of our main competitors and managed to get away from us in the finals. The win on Tuesday night has given us confidence boost to face up to this team when we meet them later in the fixtures draw.

The SCOTS 2 game was also a nail-biter! Our girls made a strong comeback after being down by 6 goals at the end of the first quarter. The team pulled together and managed to bring the scoreboard up to even, but fell short by 1 goal in the last quarter.

This Sunday, three teams will travel to Dalby for the second Inter-District Carnival. Thank you to all the girls who are playing in this carnival during the show weekend, we appreciate your commitment. We wish all teams luck and hope we have another successful carnival.

Equestrian

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Last weekend, two of our riders Maddie Keddy and myself competed at the Warwick Horse Trials International one-day event. Maddie Keddy competed in the 95cm show jumping - her first event back in over 12 months.  She did an excellent job in a class of tough competitors who all had to contend with rainy conditions.

We also have been running showman clinics at the equestrian centre on Tuesday afternoons in preparation for our own SCOTS PGC event in May. The turnout has been fantastic and we are looking forward to what the clinics bring each week.  Best of luck to all of our team who are competing at the Warwick show this weekend.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular

As we wrap up Week 8 of the term, it is pleasing to see our students approaching their activities with enthusiasm, despite the fatigue that starts to creep in as we approach holiday time.  We have witnessed some spectacular individual and team efforts and each of our students are building on their skills and improving with every training session and competition they take part in.

Southern Downs Sports Trials

Over the last two weeks Zone Trial for 10-12 year olds have taken place for Touch, Netball, Hockey, Rugby League and Football in which several of our students had a red hot go.

The following students were successful in making Southern Downs selection and will now attend Darling Downs Trials over the coming month.

Touch - Tanner Grant, George Handley, Neve Kruger and Ellyse Kruger

Hockey - Briana Groves, Lachlan Groves, Samuel Bourke and James Bourke

Football - Adam McDonald, Tanner Grant

Rugby League - Ryan Bohm, Riley Wainwright and Lewis May

We wish all students the very best at the Darling Downs Trials.

 

South West Queensland Schools Futsal Titles

Last Thursday and Friday four of our Futsal Teams contested the SWQ Schools Futsal Titles for the very first time. Each team met with mixed success across the two days with only a few wins but the experience and improvement shown was truly measurable.

The 16 years girls finished 4th but then in their final game defeated St Ursula’s to virtually pinch 3rd place with Madison Kane, Alexandra Marchand and Hannah Gordon featuring.

The Under 19 girls struggled with some close losses and showed improvement. Standouts were the ever improving goal keeper Molly Turnbull, Rosie McDonald, Lucy Jackson-Sharpe and Bridget Christensen.

On Friday the boys came up against very stiff opposition with the Under 16 boys struggling to get a win but many narrow losses. Toby Callaghan led the team well and was well supported by Harry Stewart and Cooper Seng.

The Under 19 boys just failed to click on this day with several missed opportunities that again led to narrow losses. Captain Bradley Cook led from the front ably supported by Carl Gray, Hayden Coleman, Tom Fender and Daniel McNamara in goal.

As a result of their efforts the following students have been selected in the Queensland West Teams to attend the National Championships in September.

13 years - Sahara Pickering

15 years Madison Kane

16 years - Lucy Jackson-Sharpe

15 years - Toby Callaghan

19 years - Bradley Cook, Hayden Coleman and Carl Gray

Congratulations to all and a huge thank you to Mr Mascadri for his assistance with the teams over the tournament.

This week teams face the finals of the Toowoomba competition to finalize the season. Best of luck to all!

Darling Downs Golf Trials

On Monday, year 6 student Tanner Henley, contested the Darling Downs Golf Trials at Middle Ridge Golf Course. This was Tanner’s first attempt in these trials and he was very pleased to be named as a reserve for the QLD State Championships.  The highlight of his day was a 15ft chip straight into the hole from just off the green - a shot any golfer would be chuffed with!

Golf is part of our Year 8 HPE curriculum so Tanner should be well prepared in a few years to ace this subject. Well done Tanner!

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Wellbeing Matters

Our pastoral care programme delivery this week included a very popular session with the Senior School students and a visiting group ‘Iron + Clay’.  Organised by Rev Willie, in place of the usual Chapel slot, students from Years 8-10 spent a session with Iron + Clay learning about self-belief and making positive life choices.   Their message was loud and clear and well received by all of our students who were completely engaged.  Take a look at the short clip we posted on the SCOTS PGC Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvN-rYNASZR/

 

In the wake of some of the tragic events that have happened around the world this week, parents and families may find themselves tackling some tricky topics in home discussions.  Some helpful articles have featured this week on the SchoolTV resource – please have a read through them and remember this resource is available to parents and staff.

Here is the link to this week’s special articles: https://scotspgc.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news

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Investigating Structures in STEM

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle School & enthusiastic STEM teacher   

Our Year 7 STEM classes have been examining bridges this week and why triangles are so important in making strong structures.  To help understand the concept we have delved into the history of bridges and their construction, taking our search right back to Roman times.  This has sparked interest throughout the class because they are also looking at Ancient Rome in their Humanities class.

Moving on from Ancient Rome and into a more modern era, we have looked at many types of bridges to compare their structural differences – especially some of the most iconic bridges like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.  After investigating so many structures, our students have learned that triangles are so important in making strong and stable bridges because their shape allows for even weight distribution without changing their proportions.

To help understand this in a practical way, we made tetrahedrons with toothpicks and gummy bears and discussed the three important characteristics of these triangles (support, stiffen and stabilise).

How many structures in the ‘real world’ can you identify which use triangles?

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Shining the Spotlight on the Arts at SCOTS

Wendy Whittaker | Head of Music

We are excited about the renewed focus of the Performing Arts here at SCOTS PGC.  While you may have seen some of the programme highlights in previous newsletters, here is a comprehensive insight to what’s in store for our students.

This year there has been an increased focus on both classroom and co-curricular and after a very successful College musical last year, more students are becoming involved in the Performing Arts and giving it a go. There are a variety of opportunities for student involvement both in and outside the classroom.

Currently we are running JAM Choir, Senior Girls’ Choir, String Ensemble and Rock Band. Next term, we will add JAM Dance and a mixed ensemble to that list.

Private lessons are also underway in speech and voice communication, piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwind and brass. More than 60 students are taught by various visiting music specialists. Expressions of interest forms for these lessons are available from Reception.

Music is a compulsory part of the curriculum from Prep to Year 8 and as well as focusing on oral singing and dancing, students are now able to access more instrumental experiences.

Prep  - Music in their classroom, by a music specialist, every day.

Year 1-3 – Music for 100 minutes  a fortnight focussing on singing games, rhythm and beat. Students will gain exposure to classroom percussion instruments.

Year 4 -  Music for 150 minutes a fortnight. Students begin to read music and are involved in a violin programme as well as recorder.

Year 5 - Music for 150 minutes a fortnight. Students experience a woodwind instrument as well as continuing on with recorder.

Year 6 – Music for 100 minutes a fortnight. Student consolidate and finalise their tutorial on recorder.

Year 7 - Music and Drama for 100 minutes each in Semester 2. Students begin to formally compose and perform music for percussion.  In Year 7 Drama students will be introduced to the foundational aspects of this subject such as creating performances designed to entertain audiences.

Year 8 - Music and Drama for 100 minutes each in Semester 1. Students learn to read guitar charts and are able to sing and play simple popular music. In Year 8 Drama they are exploring the foundations of presenting on stage and working successfully in groups.

There is rigorous international academic research which confirms the importance of Arts education in young children.

“Learning music can help students’ self-confidence, self-discipline and team work. Music helps students progress in other important learning areas such as Maths and English. Indeed, countries with a strong focus on music education tend to have higher scores in literacy and numeracy. Engaging music programs have been shown to help with attendance and can be particularly beneficial for students who are not achieving well in school.”

https://musicaustralia.org.au/discover/music-education/

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The Greatness Within You

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.  Every nuanced moment of a school day our students overcome challenges and solve problems.  They have to build new relationships and repair broken ones.  They discover new knowledge and apply ideas to new situations.

Sometimes they will struggle, as we all have at some point.  When I was in school I was terrible at handwriting, grammar and spelling.  My teacher at the time, let us call him Mr Pink, told me I would never be able to pass an examination as “only a goggle-eyed idiot could read your writing”.  It is a legacy that still haunts me to this day.  As a result, I hid my writing, practised for hours on end, but it did not get any better.  The following year, Mr Jenkins, one of my favourite teachers, asked me to come up and write a poem I had written on the whiteboard.  I refused and said I couldn't. "Of course you can," he responded encouragingly. "Young man, come up here and write up the poem so everyone can read it."

"But I can't," I insisted. "Mr Pink told me I have the handwriting of a google-eyed idiot." The rest of the class erupted in laughter. At that point, Mr Jenkins stepped out from behind his desk and looked me straight in the eye. "Don't ever say that again," he told me firmly. "Someone else's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."

I’ve never forgotten those words and have spent the rest of my life trying to live up to them, pursuing my goals with passion and fervour. Time and time again, thanks to that one teacher's powerful revelation, I have tried to live up to this phrase: You have greatness within you.

As the end of the term approaches, thoughts inevitably turn to examinations and assignments.  For Year 11, these are especially important as this is their first attempt at the new QCE senior assessments.  It can be a stressful time, with extra pressures of assignment deadlines and co-curricular commitments.  As part of this it is important to remember that there is greatness within all of us, that we should strive for excellence; to be the best person we can be.  Brain research has shown that regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep all contribute to a more efficient mind.

However, it is also important to remember that individual academic results do not define us, they are part of our education but there are so many more aspects to our lives.  A lower than expected mark is not a failure, it is an opportunity to get better, to learn from mistakes and grow.  Tenacity is one of our College values, and a vital cog in achieving success.  At SCOTS PGC College we will never forget that every student is an individual, we will always endeavour to help every child strive to aim higher, do better, be more.  It is a pleasure to be part of this journey with you.

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

 

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Player Probe – Meet some of our Netballers!

Mrs Estie Wiid | Netball Coach

We have so many wonderful students who sign up to take part in one or more of our activities each week.  We would like to introduce you to our netballers.  Each week, we will profile our players so our community can learn more about the students and why they love the sport or activity they have chosen.  This week, we'd like you to meet two of our Open team members, Domi Harvey and Lani Meyer.  They are both boarding students and new to the netball team.

Domi Harvey

Favourite Quote?

“A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.” – Billie Jean King

Who has had the most influence on your netball and why?

Mrs Wiid is an inspiration to my netball. She is so committed and hardworking, truly inspiring.

 Favourite Food?

My favourite food is oranges. We should actually get frozen oranges on the court, especially on hot days like last Sunday!

 

Lani Myer

Favourite Quote?

“In twenty years’ time you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.” – Mark Twain

Who has had the most influence on your netball and why?

My mum is probably the most significant netball influence because she was the one who got me into netball when I was 7. Now I love it and play with an amazing team.

Favourite Food?

I am ridiculously indecisive and therefore appreciate many different types of food cuisines, I will eat pretty much anything as long as it isn’t too spicy.

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Coles Collectables – We need your help

Our Year 1 class are collecting the new 'Coles Mini STICKEEZ'. These beautiful little vegetables are being used as part of our mathematics programme and health unit.  If you are a Coles shopper, you can collect them for free when you spend $30 or more.  So when you are out doing your next grocery shop, please keep the Year 1 class in mind.

Please send these along to the Year 1 classroom or hand them in at the Administration building or Junior School Office.  We really appreciate your help.

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It’s back – Rosella Jam!

The College is once again selling Rosella jam from Reception - $5 per jar.

The rosellas are grown here at the College and the jam is then made by our Agricultural Science students.

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Free Dress Donations to support Flood Victims

Thanks to the generosity of the College Community, over $640 was raised last Thursday through donations and the gold coin 'fine' for wearing casual clothes to school.  This money will be donated to the North Queensland Flood Appeal.
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P & F Meeting Reminder

A reminder to our College Community that our next P&F meeting is on Monday, 18 March at 7 pm in the Archive Centre.
We hope to see you there!
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From the Uniform Shop

As Term 2 quickly approaches we'd like to remind all students and their families to be prepared for the change to the Winter uniform which comes into effect after the Easter holidays.  To avoid the last minute rush, we encourage students who require winter uniforms to come to the Uniform Shop and be fitted early.

The Uniform Shop will be closed on 27 March through to 2 April.  The shop will reopen on Wednesday 3 April and will operate throughout the holidays at the usual times.

Please be aware that next term will be a little different to usual as there is no Travel Day due to Easter Monday and ANZAC  Day holidays taking place in the same week.  School will recommence with normal classes on Tuesday 23 April.

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Camp Kokoda – Student Report

Written by Mackenzie Taylor | Year 6 student

Last week our Year 5 and 6 students went to a fantastic camp called Camp Kokoda.  It was on the outskirts of Boonah, overlooking magnificent Maroon Dam.

There were lots of different, challenging activities for us to do.  Our first day started with a short ropes course, which was a lot of fun.  We hiked to the camping ground up a very steep mountain where we camped out in tents.  Later that afternoon, we did the giant swing  - we all wish it went higher than it did, but it was fun having a go!  For dinner that night we had burritos, which was prepared for us by Heather and Lachie while the rest of us set up our tents. We had an amazing camp leader called Rico.  He helped us with everything and made sure we were safe.

The next day we participated in abseiling and zip-lining.  Some of us didn’t do the abseiling but were brave enough to sit at the edge with our harnesses on. Afterwards, we had to hike down to the base camp and have lunch, which was followed by zip lining.  It was so fun - everyone enjoyed it.  Later in the afternoon, we had a lesson on how to keep the earth safe and the dangers of littering and how it is bad for our environment.  When we came back to the campsite, we were in cabins that night. We settled into whichever cabins we chose. We had dinner, but this time we had spaghetti bolognaise.  The dinner was splendid - Bri and Lachie cooked this time.

On the last day of camp, we went canoeing.  However, before we could start everyone needed to learn about the rules of canoeing and how to stay safe.  This was another fun activity that we all enjoyed.  Most of us took the opportunity to have a swim after canoeing  After canoeing, we all enjoyed a BBQ together before preparing to come home.

We all said our final goodbye to Rico and Camp Kokoda. We had a great time and can't wait for camp again next year!

 

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Captains Corner | An around the grounds update

Equestrian

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

The SCOTS PGC College Equestrian Team has continued on their journey of success.  Last weekend 10 of our riders travelled to Fig Tree Pocket to compete at the Stuartholme Dressage and Show Jumping competition.

Despite the searing heat, all of our riders rode to an excellent standard. Our youngest team member, Lillian Sharpe came 3rd and 5th in her dressage tests on her new pony which was a great achievement.  Our star of the weekend was Tom Keable, who was the champion in the 120cm show jumping.  As always, a brilliant effort from our entire team – we were named reserve champion team in the show jumping and placed 6th as a dressage team.

Cattle Club - Pittsworth Show Wrap-up

Bridie Shooter | Cattle Club Captain

Last weekend the Cattle Club ventured off to Pittsworth to compete at the local show. Being our third show for the season, everyone, including Mr Thompson, is beginning to understand just what it takes to prepare, show and judge cattle.  We are very proud to share the following results:

In the under 15 years paraders classes, Lily placed 1st, Stuart placed 2nd and Matilda came in at 4th place.  Congratulations must also go to Marty, Thea and Josh for making the finals in that class. The 15 years and under 25 age group resulted in Arena making the finals, but unfortunate to receive a placing.

In the junior judging, Thea placed 2nd overall. The effort of all of the team members is highly commendable, given they were up against 130 other competitors (our biggest show yet). Next weekend, we will be competing at Inglewood show, hoping to better improve our skills and hopefully score a few more wins.

Netball

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

Last weekend, SCOTS PGC teams lined up for their very first Inter-District Netball Carnival of the season. This is the first time our teams have played in this competition which was a great opportunity for us to test our skills against some of the other representative teams at a district level.

The SCOTS 1 team played in the Under 16/Opens age group, winning their first two games against Goondiwindi and Chinchilla. This team also faced the Dalby Open team and a very strong Toowoomba team which they were unable to beat.  Despite the loss, the game gave our girls exposure to some high-level netball.

The SCOTS 2 team also had a very successful day with two wins against Highfields and Stanthorpe in the Under 14 division. While the Under 12 girls did not manage to win any games, the girls had an enjoyable day, bonding as a team and learning more about each other’s skills.

Our next Inter-District carnival will be at Dalby on 24 March. Although many families are busy over the show weekend, it would be great to have as many girls as possible to attend the carnival.

In this week’s town competition, our SCOTS 2 had a bye on Tuesday night while the Opens team walked away with another win against Shooting Stars, 30-26.

Cricket

Kira Holmes | Cricket Captain

This season SCOTS PGC joined the Saturday morning competition here in Warwick, fielding teams in the Under 11, 13 and 16 age groups.  Even though we came into the season quite late, our players have thoroughly enjoyed their cricket and the opportunity to mix in with the local teams.

This year our SCOTS PGC cricket teams have put a lot of hard work and dedication into the season.  It is a credit to everyone involved for their continued effort and support of one another’s achievements  - everyone can be proud of the progress they have made to their cricket.  Special performance mentions must go to Ronan Crotty for his efforts with both the bat and ball as well as Adrian Mayfield who was a constant performer with the bat throughout the season. Ben Savidge has also been a constant contributor with the ball and always seems to be able to provide a breakthrough in challenging times.

Saturday morning also included a presentation session, which recognised most runs and wickets achieved for the season. It was great to see Jed Esson awarded for the equal most wickets taken in the under 16 competition and Samuel Bourke receive the most runs in the under 13 competition.

On behalf of all the SCOTS PGC students who have participated in cricket this season, I would like to thank Mr Wilson, Mr Bradbury, Mr Bolton, Mr Edgar, Jeremy and Scott for their constant support, effort and hard work which has helped everyone immensely.

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Fun Friday STEM Challenge

Mrs Shell Campbell | Year 1 Teacher

As part of our weekly Fun Friday activities, Year 1 students participate in a STEM Challenge.  Our most recent challenge involved the students partnering up to construct the tallest Duplo tower they could in a ten-minute time frame.  The students had to think quickly and together devise a plan that would ensure their tower had a solid foundation, that was engineered in a way that would allow them to add multiple stories.  The activity was fun, engaging and a great way to introduce the concept of STEM to our Year 1 classroom.

The winning tower was constructed by Matilda Brand and Wade Reid (pictured above). It reached 39 stories high!  Lewis Lalley and Ayisha Heinrich (pictured below) came second by building a beautiful tower of 31 stories high.  We are looking forward to sharing more stories about our Friday Fun sessions!

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Changes to Reporting in 2019

Mr Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

With the implementation of the new QCE system, we have reviewed the way we report our students' progress.  You will notice a few changes this year, both with how the reports are laid out and the frequency.  This term you will only receive a Pastoral Care report for your child with an opportunity to arrange a Parent-Teacher interview from 1:00 pm on Friday 5 April.  The College will close after lunch on this day and the PTO system to book these interviews will go live on Monday 18 March.  A link to book an appointment will be emailed to parents.

We also have reviewed the student behaviours section of the report which will be realigned to the College values to provide better feedback on how your child approaches and conducts themselves throughout the term.  The College Values as outlined in our Strategic Plan will be embedded and used as a means to measure behaviours and attitudes.  Students will be given a rating against the five values of Spirit, Tenacity, Authenticity, Excellence and Respect.   Further information will accompany the pastoral care reports.

The outline for reporting in 2019 is below:

Term 1: Pastoral Care report and Parent-Teacher interviews on the last day of term (Friday 5 April)

Term 2: Full Academic and Boarding report

Term 3: Pastoral Care report and Parent-Teacher interviews on the last day of term (Friday 20 September)

Term 4: Full Academic and Boarding report

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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‘Well-being?’ It’s being well done at SCOTS!

Mr David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

Perhaps the greatest benefit of being in my 23rd year in the teaching profession has been the opportunity and privilege to work at five incredibly different schools; three in the UK and two in Australia; a mixture of co-educational and single-sex schools, government-funded and independent; as large as 2100 students and as small as 410.  And over those 23 years, I have also visited dozens of other schools for a whole host of reasons, from sporting fixtures to professional development courses, always watching and listening to discover how all manner of school activities are undertaken.

Such fortuitous breadth of opportunity also allows me to claim, with some confidence, that here at SCOTS PGC we ‘do’ student well-being about as well as anyone.  The Australian government defines the concept of student well-being as:

a sustainable state of positive mood and attitude, resilience, and satisfaction with self, relationships and experiences at school.  Well-being is also said to affect most aspects of a student’s functioning at a school’.

In just 6 weeks in the 2019 academic year, our investment of time and talent into the well-being of every SCOTS PGC student continues to be an integral part of the holistic education we pride ourselves on.  Just take a look at what happens, not just once in a while, but week after week, as Tutors, Heads of Year, the Chaplain, our College Counsellor, Health Centre nurses and many others devote an average of more than 2.5 hours a week to ensuring our students’ well-being is simply as good as it possibly can be:

Tomorrow Man and Woman presenters from Melbourne explored all manner of issues fundamental to adolescent well-being in special ‘closed-door’ sessions with Year 10-12 students, in single-sex groups; a touring drama production addressed the risks of becoming involved in illegal drugs; Chapel sessions focused on ‘Having a Dream’, and ‘Patience’, in parallel with activities in our Tuesday pastoral care sessions for students from P-12; our pastoral carers, with College Counselor, Nigel Sullivan and Rev. Willie Liebenberg taking the lead, have met with dozens of students who sought support and wise advice, whenever it was necessary.

A major new well-being resource, SchoolTV was introduced to parents in an afternoon information session in the Bandy Theatre, allowing all our parents and staff 24/7 access to the latest theories and practices on an enormous range of topics that are close to the hearts of young people.  Special activities were undertaken for National Safer Internet Day at the start of Term 1 as we endeavour to provide our children with the skills and understanding to make safe choices in cyberspace, and today we supported the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence with items in our Year 5-12 Assembly.

Yes, we are all aware of how challenging delivering the academic requirements of the Australian Curriculum is, but as the definition of well-being above clearly states, if a young person does not have a positive mood and attitude, then there’s no strong, stable foundation on which to build a successful school experience, and that includes academic achievement.

If you’ll pardon the medical metaphors, as an antidote to what, at times, can be rather confronting and emotionally draining experiences, we have recently added, ‘’Laughter is the Best Medicine’ sessions to the Year 8-10 pastoral care programme.  In these, Tutors and our Chaplain have nominated clips of their favourite stand-up comedians in action, and students vote to decide which is the most entertaining in a friendly, but intense rivalry between home-grown, South African and British competitors.  Queenslander, Carl Barron’s koala jokes and impressions seem to be making the biggest impact at this stage, but I have no doubt the Brits and Springboks will regroup and be back funnier than ever in Term 2!

Oh, and did I mention staff and student yoga and meditation with Rev. Willie every Friday afternoon? It’s open to all, whatever your fitness and flexibility level.  What better way to mentally adjust from a frenetic College week into a weekend of what we hope to be refreshing and reinvigorating activities by spending time in the Mountain, Bridge, Warrior or Cat pose?

I assume the Year 4 student who joined last week was mistaken when complimenting Rev. Willie on his ‘Dagwood Dog?!’ I am ashamed to admit that is more my line of weekend pastime, but nobody’s perfect.

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Community News

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Pastoral Care Programme Update

Our whole College pastoral care programme continues each and every Tuesday.  Students and teachers are participating in a raft of different activities and a variety of learning experiences.  To highlight what we have been learning in the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, here’s a brief outline on the content topics for some of our classes:

Year 3 – Cyber safety on safer internet day, character strengths and building resilience.

Year 5 – Cyber safety – what is it? Identifying their own character strengths and areas to improve.

Year 7 – Cyber safety, organisation expectations and an introduction to bullying and student rights.

Year 9 – The infamous marshmallow test - https://jamesclear.com/delayed-gratification

Year 10 – Personality traits, eSafety and SET planning.

This is just a snippet of what occurs in the pastoral care lessons each week. Please make a point of asking your children what they are learning about each week.   An outline of our complete programme content is available online on our website at: http://scotspgc.com.au/publications/  and under handbooks and programmes.

An integral part of our pastoral care programme is a world first wellbeing resource ‘SchoolTV’.  This is specially designed to assist parents and teachers as a tool to help guide your children through issues we are faced with in a range of subject areas.

A walk through on how to navigate SchoolTV was highlighted at a recent parent information session. This resource is available for you on the SEQTA splash page. If you were unable to make the information session and would like to know more about SchoolTV, please contact either Mr Simon Edgar or Mr David Proudlove.

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Year 2 + Year 9 Drama = Creative play planning

Sophie Bignell | Year 9 Drama student

As part of the Year 9 Drama unit our class is studying children’s theatre, with a particular focus on how we can bring some of the classic children’s stories to life on the stage.  As part of our research into what an audience of children may like to see in a theatre setting, our Year 9s visited Mrs Gander’s Year 2 class last Friday to take part in some reading and gather the thoughts of some our younger students.

During the session we read some classic children’s storybooks and used our time with the Year 2 students to ask them questions about the stories such as; their favourite characters, favourite page and if there were any parts they did not like.  Their answers provided us with feedback that we can use when we are planning our plays; this way we can ensure that we are including all of the important parts of the story.

Reading with our younger students was great fun and when our session came to an end we were all very sad to say goodbye.  However, we have invited our Year 2 class to come and watch our plays in Term 2 after we have had plenty of time to plan and practice!

 

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The Benefits of an Outdoor Education

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior and Middle Schools

As I look back to last Sunday, which was an overcast and drizzly day, I recall my thoughts at the time; I was pondering - what do students (and staff for that matter) actually gain from outdoor education experiences? All this whilst I was packing my ‘gear list’ into a robust garbage bag in preparation to set off on the Year 5/6 Camp the very next morning.  We were headed for ‘Camp Kokoda’, a new location for the College after many years of camping out on the grounds at Storm King Dam. Camp Kokoda is an outdoor education facility on the southern shores of Maroon Dam.   Aside from providing 360 degrees of spectacular scenery, the camp promises the opportunity for its guests to participate in adventure based activities that will help explore the limits of comfort, conquer fears and strengthen group dynamics.  With this in mind, I completed my packing and looked forward to the next couple of days where I, along with some of my Middle School teaching colleagues would have the chance to experience our Year 5 and 6 classes in a more relaxed, outdoor environment.

An eager group of Years 5 and 6 students climbed aboard the bus on Monday, excited about the ensuing days and the adventure they would bring.  For some students school camp may be their first time away from home, where they find themselves in a situation where they have to remember to brush their teeth or finish the food on their plate.  Here I was reminded of the many benefits our outdoor education programme offered - an opportunity for our students to take care of themselves by appreciating the importance of interdependence and interaction with the physical world. Students rise to this type of challenge, they enjoy new found independence and recognise the need to look after themselves, each other and their environment.

As each new school year commences we welcome new faces and personalities to our community.  Our classroom dynamics change and our children have an opportunity to foster new friendship groups, whilst they learn to maintain and nurture existing ones.  The socialisation benefits of a school camp outside of the traditional classroom are many.  This year we welcomed new students to Years 5, 6 and 7.  Each of these classes has now had the opportunity to socialise and navigate the personalities of their classmates in an outdoor education experience.  Observing the social effects and outcomes of these classes has been beneficial for us as teachers too.  The camp provides the opportunity to see our students in a different environment where they are exercising the attributes of leadership, resilience and teamwork.  This is important as we begin to recognise the behaviours and attitudes of students who demonstrate the core values of our College, all of which helps us to identify potential leadership candidates for the Middle School.   There it was, I managed to add yet another benefit as to what our staff and students gain from outdoor education.

As the next couple of days rolled on the camp coordinators and our teachers led a variety of activities delivering teachable moments to our young team members whilst also developing and building upon their own personal competencies.  The students enthusiastically indulged every opportunity to test their resilience in the face of adversity, work together as a team, overcome limitations and fears, demonstrate leadership skills and acquire growth in personal confidence.  After two full days of orienteering, canoeing, raft building, watching students busily assist with meal times and willingly contribute to group based activities and performances I was quietly satisfied that everyone who went to Camp Kokoda had gained exactly what outdoor education is designed to offer.

I wish to express my thanks to Mr Jonathan Fender – the College Camp Coordinator, Ms Mel Cole, Mrs Nicola Hight, Mr Peter Campbell, Mrs Melissa Stephenson and the Gap students, for their dedicated time and continual efforts to make the camps we have had so far this year a great success for all students.

 

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Beachy Book Fair starts next week!

The theme of our Scholastic Book Fair is Book Fair Beach, where we hope you will catch the reading wave! It’s a fun reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.

Book Fair dates: 11th March to 20th March

Where: WALEC

Shopping Times:

Monday:          8:00am – 8:30am and 3:15pm – 3:45pm

Tuesday          8:00am – 8:30am

Wednesday     8:00am – 8:30am and 3:15pm – 3:45pm

Thursday         8:00am – 8:30am and 3:15pm – 3:45pm

Friday              8:00am – 8:30am

Senior School and older Middle School students can also purchase from the LRC. We have books available for all age groups and look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair! Remember, all purchases benefit our school.

 

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Captain’s Corner | An around the grounds update

Equestrian

Georgia Rohde | Equestrian Captain

Over the past two weekends a team of SCOTS PGC riders have competed at the Killarney and Millmerran Shows and the Aquinas College show jumping event – all of which were successful events.

On 23 February, seven riders headed to the Killarney Show.  Our best placings were earned by Kate Lyttle who placed 2nd in both the 90cm and the 1m show jumping and Sophie Brennan, who it’s safe to say cleaned up in the show ring with the award of Reserve Champion Girl rider, Reserve Champion Led Arabian derivative and Reserve Champion Hunter. What a fantastic effort, ladies!

We had 10 riders travel to Millmerran Show to compete in the show jumping and the interschool dressage competition. We are pleased to report that Lucy Jackson-Sharpe placed 1st and 4th in her preliminary dressage tests and Kate Lyttle (who was our star of the day) placed 1st in the 75cm and the 90cm on Grey Mare, 3rd in the 1m on Gee Whiz and 5th in the 1.05m on Rolly.

Jack Perkins travelled to Nerang last Sunday to compete in the show jumping at the Aquinas College event.  Jack placed 3rd overall in the 80cm on Paint by Numbers.

The Equestrian team has had a solid start to 2019.  We are all looking forward to travelling to Brisbane this weekend to compete in the Stuartholme dressage and show jumping.

Netball

Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

We saw some great improvement in our SCOTS 1 team’s game this week, where we were able to address some issues in our game that we worked on through the week at training.  After a rocky start, our girls managed to make a comeback in the second half and took home a win with a score of 30-20.  Pleased with the week’s effort, we are looking forward to our next game.

Our SCOTS 2 team had a tough game against a much stronger team, going down 28-8.  Hold your heads high girls – well done for stepping up to the challenge and trying your best.

This Sunday for the first time, SCOTS PGC College will have three teams playing in the Inter District carnival at Highfields. This will be a new experience for many of our players which will see our Under 11/12, Under 13/14 and Under 15/16 girls teams line up alongside the Warwick rep sides in what should be a fabulous competition. We wish the girls and support staff all the best and look forward to reporting on their results next week. We also thank Warwick Netball for this fantastic opportunity for our girls to play such a great competition in our own community.

Cricket
Kira Holmes | Cricket Captain

Wednesday marked the end of SCOTS PGC College’s quest in the interschool T20 competition which the First XI have been competing in over the past three weeks. Despite our early exit, our team has learnt some very valuable lessons early on and is improving out of sight each week.  I have no doubt SCOTS PGC College will be strong contenders in years to come.

Our first game as the First XI saw us line up against Assumption College at our home field, Briggs Oval.  Our young and developing side were enthusiastic about playing a much more experienced side, but were not deterred despite Assumption’s efforts in walking away with the win. An extraordinary performance by Adrien Mayfield with both the bat and ball helped the team stay in the competition, however this was not enough on the day. Special mention must also go to Jesse Bohm who opened the bowling aside Adrien, with an exceptional display of bowling keeping the visitors under wraps early.

Our second game of the competition was against a solid St Mary’s Toowoomba side. With a strong St Mary's bowling line up, there were times when the scoreboard was not looking great for the SCOTS team.  We fought back in true SCOTS form when it was our turn to bowl.  Two key team runouts and an amazing catch by Darcy Zammit in the outfield led to an amazing fight back which was aided by outstanding bowling by Mark Fearby.  Unfortunately, St Marys were too strong and notched up the win.

Finally, on Wednesday’s game against Stanthorpe State High School, we were once again pushed to our limits. It took the team until the 15th over until we dismissed their key batsman with a great catch by Ronan Crotty. On this occasion, Stanthorpe was too strong with the bat and although there was a great chase by Jed Esson with the bat, it was not enough to get the team over the line. This weekend also marks the end of Saturday morning cricket which the school has two teams competing in. It would be fantastic to see everyone down at Briggs Oval or Slade Park from 8:00am to support these teams.

Futsal

Bradley Cook | Futsal Captain

It was a tough week for our futsal boys' teams this week, with all teams suffering losses.  Our Years 7/8 boys went down 6-3 to a strong Highfields side. A gallant effort by our boys who were down 5-1 at half time, was impressive to allow just one Highfields goal and score two of their own in the second half. Special mention must go to Tyler and Owen who were our standout players for the match.

The Years 9/10 team played a close game with Downlands but were unfortunate to lose 6-4 in the dying minutes of the game.  While Eden and Harry were our best players for this match, the whole team needs to be commended for maintaining a great overall standard throughout the game.

Our Open boys' team played a full strength Downlands side which saw us endure a hard fought 9-5 loss. Despite the defeat, this was an impressive effort from our team with 5 players out and substitutes stepping up from our 9/10s squad. A standout effort from Jack and Josh.

Our Years 9/10 girls went toe to toe with Downlands with excellent attack and defence throughout the match. Madison Kane was rock solid as always and Lucy Jackson-Sharpe was in great form. Arena Wheeler slipped back into this team in preparation for the SWQ Titles and bolstered the team considerably. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration caused a late goal to be scored and Downlands took the contest 3-2 in an enthralling match.

The Years 11/12 girls by contrast came to life through a 4 goal spree by Rosemary McDonald that led the girls to a 7-3 win in emphatic style against The Glennie School.

Both girls teams will play semi-finals and potentially finals in two weeks’ time after they attend the SWQ Futsal Titles on 14 March at Highfields.  The boys will also have one last match of the season after they contest the SWQ Titles next Friday 15 March.  Final Team selections are being contemplated with only the best of the best to attend this prestigious contest.

 

Basketball

Stewart Bailey | Open Basketball Coach

Term One 2019, has seen the return of SCOTS PGC basketball with a change– the pleasure of hosting home games. We have already welcomed Concordia and Centenary Heights respectively and have thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere a home game brings.  With the benefit of not having to travel, we ensured our guests were welcomed to a fun night and a full house of spectators.  With entertainment from our mascot ‘Scotty the lion’, dancing to the tunes of the SCOTS bagpipes in step with a fiery ‘William Wallace’ our visitors have had the opportunity to witness a proud SCOTS PGC home side, as well as some hard fought games on the basketball court.

Even though we may not have enjoyed the excitement of winning most of our games, we have showed true sportsmanship and taken defeat with our heads held high.  All teams have shown outstanding, resilience, pride, and a great attitude whilst enjoying all basketball has to offer as a team sport.

We must acknowledge and praise Mrs Brown’s ‘Mighty Munchkins - the Years 7/8 Girls' team.  They have experienced well deserved victories and if they win tonight against St Saviours, the team could make the finals.

Our final pool games are played this week at St Mary's College in Toowoomba against St Saviours in the girls and St Mary's in the boys.  Best of luck to all teams!

 

 

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W7 Co-curricular Programme

T1W7 Sport Fixtures

Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

After six weeks down, we find ourselves past the halfway mark of Term 1.  It is wonderful to see our captains fulfilling their leadership roles by taking on the responsibilities to report on their respective co-curricular portfolios.  You’ll find their reports in a new segment – Captains Corner | Around the grounds.  Please read up on the great achievements and success across our activities.  For a wrap up on everything else, please read on.

 

Darling Downs Swimming

Six senior students and nine of our juniors attended the Darling Downs Swimming Trials at the Gatton Pool with varied results across the board. Some achieved personal bests whilst others were left to contemplate what might have been.

Well done to Ellyse Kruger, Samuel Bourke, James Bourke, Lewis May, Bailey Harm, Colby Miller, Hannah Bourke, Bridie Hutchison, and Connie-Anne Sue-Tin on representing the Southern Downs at these Trials, and to William Gilmore, Cooper Harm, Krystal Petersen, Shona McFarland, Emily Rhodes, Max Keable on representing the College. All students had to qualify through our College championships and the Southern Downs Trials to get this far and, given our size as a school, this is a significant percentage of our swimming population.

As a result of their performances at these Darling Downs Trials we are excited to announce that William Gilmore, Cooper Harm and Bailey Harm have been selected to attend the State Championships at Chandler at the end of this term as members of the Darling Downs Schools Swimming Teams. We wish these students the very best as they make their final preparations to attend the State Championships.

 

Southern Downs Swimming - Omission of Results

Unfortunately, at the time of publication last week I did not have full details of the results and hence I failed to acknowledge Ellyse Kruger as she was also named Age Champion for 11yrs girls and broke 2 records, the 50 butterfly that has stood for 15years and the 100 freestyle.  Congratulations, Ellyse!

 

Southern Downs Trials

Over the course of Friday 8 March and Friday 15 March the following sports trials for 10-12 year old students will take place.

Friday 8 March:             Touch at SCOTS PGC

Friday 15 March:            Hockey at Warwick Hockey Fields, Football at Queens Park, Rugby League at Suburbs and Netball here at SCOTS PGC

Nominations for these have been called for and received from our students and we are pleased to be sending 22 participants across all activities. We wish all our students the best of luck at these trials.

 

Darling Downs Trials

Next Tuesday will see a number of our students trial for Darling Downs Teams in Hockey, Football and Netball. We wish the following students the very best at these trials.

Bradley Cook (Football), Amelia Meek (Netball), Lucy Jackson-Sharpe (Football), Millie Groves (Hockey) and Krystal Petersen (Hockey)

 

The Flying Scotsman Running Club

Training continues Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6.45am. We meet at the John Muir Sports Centre and all level of abilities are welcome from our students, staff and parents.

 

Workloads of Superstars even need to be monitored!

In a recent article I read about the Matilda's - Australia's Women’s Football (Soccer) Team it was brought to the attention of readers that these talented young women of Football are working incredibly hard to make a living from their sport and some are potentially breaking as a result.

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-28/matildas-the-season-never-ends/10833172?pfmredir=sm&section=sport

From this I feel the challenge we face as parents, coaches and educators is to find a balance in physical, academic, social and familial realms of our children's lives that allows for optimal growth and development in all areas without over taxing any one area.

When I was undertaking my Level 2 Athletics Coaching course many years ago Chris Nunn the then head coach of the Australian Paralympic Team shared with us the importance of recovery and rest in training. We all know it is important to train hard but just as important is the need for rest, recuperation and what my teenage daughter refers to as ‘downtime.’

Teenagers experiencing major growth spurts, or minor ones for that matter may feel lethargic and lack energy and drive. We need to be aware of this and make some allowances. That is not to say they can sleep in til lunch but being a parent that recognises when their child is over-tired is a great place to start.

Don't forget or underestimate the power of downtime and try to do some of it yourselves as it can be quite invigorating in the long run.

Here at SCOTS PGC we try to recognise those students who are determined to do it all and wherever possible, we take time to monitor their workloads in sport coupled with their academics. If you feel your child may benefit from this, please have them make a time to see me and we will devise a plan of attack to ensure they remain on track.

 

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Maths Enrichment Programme

Photo: Year 9 Boarder Hanaka Parker

Ms Angela Brittain |Head of STEM

Our College mathematicians in Years 9 and 10 have had their first taste of the USQ Mathematics Enrichment programme last week.  Presenters from USQ delivered the first of five sessions to students across the region who have demonstrated an excellent ability in mathematics.

Date Topics
21 February History and Philosophy of Mathematics: the Greeks (Euclid and Pythagoras); Al Khwarizmi, and Hilbert.
21 March Pure mathematics: Number theory, set theory, functions.
  2 May Applied mathematics: Fluids, fields and waves.
30 May Statistics: Epidemics, the scientific method in medicine and biology
20 June Mathematics in engineering

Four maths enthusiasts have nominated to attend a variety of topics across the remainder of the semester.  Here’s some of the great content they’ll be exposed to:

History and Philosophy of Mathematics: the Greeks (Euclid and Pythagoras); Al Khwarizmi, and Hilbert.
Pure mathematics: Number theory, set theory, functions.
Applied mathematics: Fluids, fields and waves.
Statistics: Epidemics, the scientific method in medicine and biology
Mathematics in engineering

 

This is a fabulous opportunity for students to meet like-minded peers while engaging in the mathematical challenges presented by university Mathematicians!

 

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Day with a Scientist

Invitation to Register - Students in Years 4-6 are invited to register for the Day With a Scientist programme to be conducted at The SCOTS PGC College, 60 Oxenham St, Warwick on Friday March 15, 2019, 9.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. This programme provides a wonderful enrichment learning experience for students with an interest in science.

During the day, students will work in pairs on engaging, hands-on activities designed to accelerate their understanding, further arouse their curiosity, stimulate their imagination, and foster their creative-thinking and problem-solving abilities. In addition, they will experience scientific demonstrations and other multiple intelligence exercises (e.g., science poetry and song) and complete peer reports.

For further information about the programme content, as well as testimonials, please visit www.ScienceTime.com.au and use the "Day With a Scientist" link. Cost is $38.50 (including GST) per student. The presenter is Dr Peter Eastwell, an experienced science educator and author.

To book, please email the name(s) of the student(s) wishing to attend, as well as the name of your school, to [email protected] . You will receive a subsequent message to facilitate payment. Finally, any parents wishing to join us and help for all, or part, of the day will be most welcome.

Dr Peter H. Eastwell
Director, Science Time Education www.ScienceTime.com.au
Phone/Fax 07 4667 3786
Mobile 0428 193434

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Holly Joins SDRC Youth Council

Photo: Derek, Holly and Deanna Naughten with Gwen Jones, Community Development Officer - Youth Engagement.

We extend congratulations to Year 10 student, Holly Naughten who was officially appointed as the SCOTS PGC College representative of the Southern Downs Youth Council for 2019.   Holly's role along with student members from other local schools, is to represent the voice of young people who live, work, study or volunteer in the Southern Downs region.  Their collective input will assist the Southern Downs Regional Council in their decision making process for youth related issues as well as planning for various activities around the region.

Holly attended the badge presentation ceremony with other Youth Council members earlier this week.  This is a wonderful initiative for our youth to 'have a voice' and to develop a better understanding of the role and function of local government, our community and local issues.  We wish Holly all the best and we look forward to reporting the achievement of our local Youth Council.

 

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Cattle Club Proving Popular

Peter Collett | Cattle Club Co-ordinator

We are very happy to report the Cattle Club has more than doubled in numbers this year to a total of 25 members. This is partly due to a change of training times to a Tuesday and Thursday lunch time and Wednesday afternoon to avoid clashes with other co-curricular activities. It is fantastic to see the enthusiastic nature and passion for learning about beef cattle displayed by all the members of the team this year. There is a wonderful positive team feel enriched by our captain, Bridie Shooter.

In follow up to the results we reported from the Allora Show two weeks ago, we are happy to share that our team is developing well which is really paying off in the ring.  We are improving on our judging skills, handling ability and team work -  Killarney show was a true success. The cattle performed consistently in all of their classes and everyone achieved well all-round. Tyler and Arena both placed first in their paraders classes (with Arena now qualified for the Darling Downs Finals), followed by Clay in second and Harriet, Clarina and Mia receiving third placings. Our junior judges continued to perform well with Tyler placing first, Thea second and Harriet third in their classes.

Congratulations to all of our team members and a warm welcome to those of you who are new to the Cattle Club.  I look forward to working with each of you throughout the year.

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Cyber Security Challenges

Ms Angela Brittain | Head of STEM

This week, nine of our students across Years 7 to 10 have signed up to have a go at the Cyber Security Challenges presented by the Australian Computing Academy and GROK.  What a fantastic initiative for our students to have access to!  Cyber security is such a prominent issue in almost every aspect of our daily lives, so it is really pleasing to see our students wanting to learn how to be more cyber savvy and expand their digital skillset.

Why is Cyber Security important?

Cyber security is not only a component of the Australian Digital Technologies curriculum and ICT Capabilities, but also impacts every person, business, and organisation in today's interconnected society.

The new Challenges integrate real-life situations and foster security-conscious students who are well equipped to deal with cyber security challenges both in their personal lives, and later, in the workforce. This Challenge series will ensure that students will be vigilant in all aspects of their digital lives.

I encourage parents with an interest in this area to also have a go.  You will be taught some basics of the coding language Python as you engage in the challenges our students are undertaking.

What are the Cyber Security Challenges about?

Challenge 1 enables students to "ethically hack" into fake personal accounts on made-up social media, email, and banking sites. Challenge 2 teaches them how to make and break cryptographic ciphers.

Challenges 3 and 4 will be on wireless networking and application security. These will become available later in the year so keep those online sleuthing hats on a bit longer.

"Right now, every single job in our economy requires some understanding of cyber security" - Michelle Price, CEO of AustCyber.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W6 Sport Fixtures

T1W6 Co-curricular Programme

 

Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director Co-Curricular Activities

It was wonderful to witness the announcement of captains across our various co-curricular activities at this morning’s co-curricular assembly.  Each of the following captains has been chosen to lead their respective teams.  Congratulations to our newly appointed captains:

Cricket - Kira Holmes

Netball - Amelia Meek

Swimming - Emily Rhodes and Chase Naylor

Futsal - Bradley Cook

Equestrian - Georgia Rohde

Cattle Club - Bridie Shooter

Pipe Band

Drum Sergeant: Dhanyil Jackson, Isabel Mauch, Shona McFarland, Talia Simmers

Pipe Sergeant: Georgia Hackett

Pipe Major: Abby Dalziel

Drum Major: Aidan Ryan

Week 5 was a busy one in the co-curricular sphere, with various students putting in extra effort in a bid to be selected at the first of the representative trials.  Here is an overview of the week’s activities:

Southern Downs Swimming Trials

On Monday sixteen of our 9-12 year old swimmers headed down to the WIRAC for the Southern Downs Trials. All competitors put in a tremendous effort with some outstanding performances across the team.

Age Championships came thick and fast with Hannah Bourke and Colby Miller taking out the 9 years championships. Bridie Hutchison was not to be outdone claiming the 10 years girls age championship, while Bailey Harm (11 years) and Samuel Bourke (12 years) smashed their opposition to take their respective age championships. Bailey went one step further to be named Champion Swimmer of the Meet with several outstanding, and in some cases, record breaking performances.

Following their outstanding qualifying performances, nine of our participating students claimed spots in the Southern Downs Team to attend the Darling Downs Championships next Wednesday in Gatton. These swimmers are:

Hannah Bourke, Bridie Hutchison, Ellyse Kruger, Connie-Anne Sue Tin, James Bourke, Samuel Bourke, Bailey Harm, Lewis May and Colby Miller

We congratulate these young champions and wish them well at the Darling Downs Championships next week.

Border District Sport Trials

On Tuesday we hosted approximately 350 students at SCOTS and across three other Warwick playing locations to conduct the Border District Winter Trials.

We congratulate the following students on their selection to Border District Teams for the Darling Downs Trials in future weeks.

Basketball – Oscar Evans (Open), Makybe Edwards, Bryoni Marshall, Amelia Cook, Summer Jacks, Jekeira Major, Thalia Saunders (U15, Eric Spiteri, Evan Doughboy, Brandan Waters (U15)

Football – Bradley Cook, Lucy Jackson-Sharpe (Open), Zara Kruger, Madison Kane (U15)

Rugby League - Ryan Balint, Beau Kendall, Lachlan Titus, Jack Kenny, Anthony Hodges (Open)

Netball – Amelia Meek

Futsal Round 3

This week the boys teams all lost, but the quality of play is certainly on the improve. The Years 5/6 boys were narrowly beaten 4-3 in the last seconds of the game while the Years 7/8 team has Wilsonton SHS all locked up at 3-3 when they lost their playing shape and let two late goals in to finish up with a 5-3 loss. The Years 9/10 team came back to earth with a thud after their impressive win last week when they faced ladder leaders, Downlands. The boys just could not hit the back of the net and succumbed to a 6-0 loss. There is certainly potential there, but cool heads are needed to form what could be some great combinations. Finally, the Years 11/12 team faced the ladder leaders in Highfields SHS with their older and more experienced line up. The boys frustrated with excellent defence from Samuel Proudlove and Hayden Coleman. The mid court of Hamish Swift, Josh Bailey, Tom Fender and Jack McFarland rotated regularly to keep fresh legs in the contest, which enabled Carl Gray and Bradley Cook to launch numerous attacking raids on the opposition's goal. However, it was surely a miraculous performance by goalkeeper Daniel McNamara that truly kept us in the game and frustrated Highfields the most. His agility and ability to keep getting up to defend with double saves and all manner of pretzel-like movements and shapes was outstanding.

Wednesday afternoon the Years 5-7 Girls put up a great fight to go down narrowly to ladder leaders Downlands 3-4 in a very hard fought affair.

Thursday the Years 9/10 girls won 4-2 with two great second half screamers from Millie Groves to seal the match. Lucy Jackson-Sharpe and Madison Kane were stand outs with ball at feet. The Years 11/12 girls fought hard and showed glimpses of brilliance against a very good Highlands College outfit, but went down 5-0. Amelia Meek on debut was very sound whilst Rosemary McDonald continues to show she can turn her hand to any sport. Bridget Christensen and Arena Wheeler were rock solid in their defence but our defensive shape often fell apart.

T20 Cricket v St Mary’s, Toowoomba

This week saw the First XI travel up the New England to Heritage Oval in Toowoomba where they faced the powerhouse that is St Mary’s College. Boasting at least 2 Queensland representatives the side did their best on the beautifully prepared Heritage Oval pitch.  Unfortunately, we were outclassed by a very speedy pace attack despite some valiant resistance that included a few solid shots around the park. Next week we will complete our pool rounds with a trip to Stanthorpe to face State High School. A huge thank you to Mr Bolton for his leadership and support of our boys.

Basketball v Centenary Heights

Last Friday the College hosted Centenary Heights SHS from Toowoomba. The evening was well attended and supported by students and the atmosphere was very supportive for our teams but unfortunately, enthusiasm was not enough to overcome the size and speed of our opponents. This Friday the girls face St Ursula’s at St Ursula’s whilst the boys turn to the rugby field due to a bye in our pool. All teams will travel to St Mary’s on March 8th for our final pool games against St Mary’s and St Saviours.

Strategy Games Club

A new take on an old favourite. In an attempt to bolster numbers, the Chess Club will become Strategy Games Club commencing Week 2 of Term 2. If you are interested at all in games that make you think or even challenge your thinking, then this is for you. Direqt Message Mr Stephen Anastasi as the co-ordinator of the group with your expression of interest and a list of the games you might be interested in pursuing.

The Flying Scotsman Runners Club

Starting next week Mr Sandy Dalziel, Mr Peter Campbell and myself will be commencing run club for all ages, abilities, and interests. We meet on the steps of the John Muir Sports Hall at 6.45am for the 12 years and up, whilst the 11yrs and younger will take part in training on Buss Oval from 8am til 8.25am.

Netball Wrap up - Amelia Meek | Netball Captain

Our third round of fixtures in the Senior Ladies Netball Competition was not as successful as our previous games, with both teams losing their games. Despite this, the girls kept their heads up and continued to display good sportsmanship as always. The SCOTS 1 team played our rivals, Strikers, who came runner up to us in C grade last year, proving we have some good competition for the season. The SCOTS 2 team went down 32-22 to Steelers but showed great determination and teamwork against some much more experienced and taller players. We are looking forward to starting training and improving our skills and teamwork across both teams for what will be a competitive but enjoyable season.

 

 

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Reminders

Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisation Consent Forms - An email has been sent out today to our families with children in Year 7 and Year 10 regarding immunisation consent forms. Please return the forms at your earliest convenience or for more information contact our Health Centre on  07 4666 9803.

Prep-Year 12 Pastoral Care Programme - A PDF version of the College's Pastoral Care Programme for 2019 is now available for viewing through the Publications page on the College website or by clicking the following link -  http://scotspgc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/P-12-Pastoral-Care-Programme-2019.pdf

 

 

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Schools do more than just be schools

Mr Kyle Thompson | Principal

Schools do so much more than teach the content of a curriculum. Of course, we do that too but it is often the other non-specific or non-classroom defined areas of learning that are so important to the healthy development of young people.

We hear constantly the term ‘resilience’ thrown around, or in the SCOTS vernacular, the term tenacity. We recognise these things as vitally important to the character development of our children although, at times, we find it difficult to allow the young people in our care to experience the stressors, the challenges and the disappointments they need to in order to develop these most valuable of personality traits.

The immune system is an excellent example of this – it requires exposure to particular types of germs and potential allergens in childhood to develop to its full capacity. Parents who treat their children as if they are fragile by not exposing them to dirt, possible allergens, and maintaining a sterile environment deprive their children’s immature immune systems from the opportunity to develop their maximum protective capacity.

Children’s social and emotional abilities can be viewed similarly. If we overprotect our kids from uncomfortable or unpleasant social situations or negative emotions, we deprive them of the opportunities for developing skills they need to thrive in society. This is not about saying we want our kids to be constantly challenged in this way, but they do need exposure to these experiences to grow socially and emotionally into adults equipped to deal with all that life will present them with.

The caveat here is that we also need to provide them with caring and reliable figures such as friends, parents, teachers or other significant people in their lives. It is about balancing the level of support and encouragement whilst not removing some disappointments, social diversity and uncomfortable situations. This balance is what produces happy, well-adjusted and socially capable people. And then, there is the associated benefits in terms of mental health and well-being.

Free play, working out their own rules, taking appropriate risks and mastering small ‘dangers’ are crucial in developing adult social and physical competence. Maybe this is why kids from rural centres seem to be more capable at overcoming adversity and succeeding in many different environments or vocations?

So how do we help our kids? Well most of us are probably doing that already. In some respects it is a reflection on how those of us older than, say, 40ish, were brought up. Exploring the neighbourhood, playing outside in the local park, settling our own disputes with mates (appropriately), and looking out for each other. It’s not rocket science but it can be harder than we think. I still remember the first time I travelled to school by myself, ran an errand to the shops, or explored the neighbourhood on my bike. I remember those feelings of growing up, feeling capable, and being able to be ‘courageous’ enough to take my next steps to adulthood.

At SCOTS, we have so many opportunities to experience all of these things and in doing so produce young men and women fully equipped to take on the world and the many challenges they will face whilst experiencing it. So, the continued challenge to us all, as educators and parents is to know when to and when not to.

 

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Debating Debrief

Last night SCOTS PGC College had two teams debating in the QDU Toowoomba Region Competition.

The Year 9s debated against Downlands College on the topic, "That the Melbourne Cup should be banned". SCOTS PGC College was for the negative and won by a very small margin. Their preparation and more profound arguments won them the debate. Kate McCarthy overcame sickness and nerves to deliver a strong start as first speaker, Sophie Bignell overcame nerves and inexperience as a first time debater to consolidate, and Hannah Myer used her strong academic skills to prepare the sophisticated arguments and her team mates. It was a wonderful team effort.

The Senior team lost a close debate against St Ursula's College. Sam Proudlove, Joshua Bailey and Joshua Crow each delivered strong performances based on good preparation but were beaten by a better team on the night.

Both teams were the recipient of valuable feedback and will continue to grow through their debating experience.

A thank you goes to the timekeepers, Harriet Plummer ((Year 9) and Kira Holmes (Year 11). Thanks especially to Ms Hight for her support and attending last night to support the Senior debating team.

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W5 Co-curricular Programme

T1W5 Sport Fixtures

Photo above: The SCOTS PGC College Cricket team enjoyed a game against Assumption College this week in the interschool T20 competition. Congratulations to Assumption on the win and well done to everyone involved.

Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities

We have been rewarded with another week of achievement in the co-curricular space.  The following reports prove that our students are making the most of the continuous opportunities that our activities provide.  It is also fantastic to see that some of our students have taken the reins to report on the success of and achievement in an activity that they are passionate about.

Laura Geitz Netball

Last Sunday our College Year 7-9 Netball team faced off against the best schoolgirl teams in the region at the Laura Geitz Cup held at Downlands College. The girls put in a solid effort which started out with a win against Clifton.  A dramatic loss ensued and then a more respectable loss to Stanthorpe SHS (by a slender margin) reinforced our team’s potential. The girls were then left to fight out minor positions in Division 2 and came up trumps with two wins to round out their day. As first timers into this competition the girls competed well and certainly looked to be enjoying the challenge and the comradery of the day.

A special thank you to Mrs Wiid and Mrs Ratcliffe for giving their time to support the girls in their ongoing development as players and, more importantly, as young women. Thanks also to our parent supporters who travelled with the girls.  Your continuous support helps to ensure that our students are provided with a broad range of opportunities and experiences.

 

Senior Netball

The season has started well for our senior team, SCOTS 1 with a convincing 40-15 win over the Fruit Tingles on Tuesday night.  Our junior team, SCOTS 2 continued to develop their skills through a much tougher game against the BANDITS! playing very well together to narrowly lose 23-28.

 

Futsal

The Year 9/10 girls and the Year 11/12 girls completed the first round of fixtures last week with a win a piece which showed great promise for the competition. This week both teams secured wins again with the Year 9/10 girls winning 2-1 and the Year 11/12 girls taking a draw.

On Tuesday this week the boys had a mixed bag with the Year 5/6 team showing flashes of brilliance with a narrow 4-3 loss to Downlands.

The Year 7/8 boys were still tired from camp from the looks of the 0-10 score line, but with a bit more practice at training and some additional subs on the sides, they could turn that around in a heartbeat.

The Year 9/10 boys came out swinging with their first win as a team in two seasons, with a very convincing win over Downlands 2, 8-1. Finally, the Senior boys went down 7-5 in what can only be described as a patchy performance from the otherwise consistent lads.

On Wednesday the Year 5-7 Girls continued to punch above their weight with a tense 1-1 draw against Glennie. They face Downlands next week and this will be a solid test of their fortitude.

 

Basketball

Basketball resumes tonight with another home game, this time against Centenary Heights SHS. Games kick off at 4.15pm with the Year 7/8 teams on the WALEC courts and in the John Muir Sports Centre.  Our Year 9/10 teams will follow at the same venues at 5.10pm. The Year 11/12 Girls tip off at 6.05pm in the John Muir Sports Centre followed by the Year 11/12 Boys at 7pm sharp.

This is a great opportunity to get out and support our teams in their final home game for the season. Next week the girls take on St Ursula's at their home court in the Salo Centre.  The final round on the 8th March will see us all travel to St Mary's College Toowoomba to face the home side in the boys and St Saviour's in the girls.

 

Border District Swimming

On Valentines Day there was a lot of love for the SCOTS PGC Swim team at the Border District Championships with 30 students giving their all for their school in the Goondiwindi Memorial Pool.

Highlights of the day were certainly the individual age championship wins to Cooper Harm (13 years’ boys), and William Gilmore (16 years’ boys). These boys threw themselves into all their events with gusto showing the way forward for the entire squad.

This enthusiasm was magnified by the excellent leadership shown by team captains - Emily Rhodes and Chase Naylor. At every opportunity, our captains led by example both in and out of the pool.

In the trophy stakes we fought out the big categories with Stanthorpe SHS and Assumption, prevailing in a number of areas:

1st place            Champion School

1st place:           Boys Aggregate

2nd place:          Schools Percentage Shield

3rd place:           Girls Aggregate

It was my great pleasure to watch on from the marshalling decks, how our students rallied to the aid of team mates when they got tired and offered to swim in their stead, demonstrating great comradery and team spirit. This spirit is really what helped us win on the day, not individual performances, but consistently being there racking up the points as often as we could.

Well done to the team. It was a great all-round effort and I am so proud of your efforts and conduct.

 

Warwick All Schools Swimming

What another great carnival for the students! We celebrated some great success in the pool last night at WIRAC, taking home numerous age champions and runners-up awards. Thank you to all those who came out to support and to the massive effort from all our swimmers. A fantastic group of swimmers led very ably by Chase Naylor and Emily Rhodes. Congratulations to all of our students – we will have a full wrap of the award winners in next week’s newsletter.

Interschool T20

Whilst Saturday cricket is blossoming and our junior ranks are growing it has been great to see our young but enthusiastic First XI taking on the T20 Interschool Challenge. This past week they opened their account with a loss to Assumption, but signs of potential were certainly visible.

Next week they travel to Stanthorpe for a clash that could determine the fate of the team moving forward to the semi-finals. This will be followed by their last and most challenging match against St Mary’s, Toowoomba. We wish them the very best as they step out onto the pitch to represent their College with honour and dignity.

 

Border District Winter Trials

These important representative trials are held next Tuesday with the students below nominated to attend. We wish them all well as they battle for Border District selection and a chance at the Darling Downs Trials in coming weeks. SCOTS are hosting with the assistance of Assumption and we welcome the many students from across the District to our humble home.

 

Basketball U15 Makybe Edwards, Bryoni Marshall, Amelia Cook, Summer Jacks, Jekeira Major, Tia Saunders, Hannah Gordon, Evan Doughboy, Eric Spiteri, Slava Cheredov WALEC Court 1 commencing at 9.30am Please attend Period 1 and excuse yourself at 9am
Basketball Open Harrison Stewart, Ben Whibley, Geoffrey Warren, Bailey Fowler WALEC Court 2 commencing at 9.30am Please attend Period 1 and excuse yourself at 9am
Football Open Bradley Cook, Hayden Coleman, Daniel McNamara, Tom Fender, Carl Gray, Lucy Jackson-Sharpe Queens Park – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am
Football U16 Boys Toby Callaghan, Harrison Stewart, Cooper Seng Queens Park – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am
Football U15 Girls Zara Kruger, Madison Kane, Queens Park – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am
Rugby League U15 Jed Esson, Adrian Titus, Darcy Zammit, George Smith, Jack Thompson, Adrien Mayfield, Suburbs RL Grounds – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am
Rugby League U18 Jack Kenny, Buchanan Titus, Lachlan Titus, Anthony Hodges, Cameron King, Ryan Balint, Beau Kendall, Suburbs RL Grounds – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am
Netball U15 Alexandra Rickert, Bridget Hardy, Macey Edgar, Matilda Bryant, Elyse Peters SCOTS College Tennis Courts - commencing at 9.30am Please attend Period 1 and excuse yourself at 9am
Netball Open Holly Naughten, Harriet Curtain, Amelia Meek Warwick SHS Courts – commencing at 9.30am bus departing East St. at 8.30am

 

 

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Is SCOTS’ Academic Improvement, ‘Too Hot for the Courier Mail to Handle?’

David Proudlove | Head of Senior School

Last weekend, I was perched on a sun-drenched wall outside the Brisbane Youth Hostel, the venue for our Prefects’ Retreat, reading the Sunday Mail, when I noted that their weekday newspaper, the Courier Mail, was intending to publish a list of Queensland’s fastest-improving schools in its Tuesday edition.

‘Great’, I thought, ‘surely we will be about to receive some well-deserved publicity!’

The measure of success the newspaper promised to highlight was that of improvement in proportion of OP-eligible (‘academic stream’) students attaining the highest OP grades, 1-5.

At SCOTS we have raced up the Queensland OP 1-5 league tables from a position outside the top 250 in 2016 (16% OP 1-5) to a very creditable 55th place (30% OP 1-5) at the end of 2018.  This new standing sees us above other local independent schools such as Toowoomba Grammar School and The Glennie School, and comfortably surpassing more distant regional competitors like Rockhampton Grammar School.

Imagine my disappointment then, on excitedly opening the Tuesday edition of the Courier Mail to discover the editor had decided only to focus on schools with more than 100 students in their Year 12 academic streams!  That meant SCOTS, and all Warwick schools would not be considered.  In fact, the journalists had chosen to use as their yardstick, ‘Improvement in league table standing between 2008 and 2018’.

Undaunted, as a real enthusiast for statistics, I pressed on, keen to see what sort of improvement was deemed worthy of state-wide exposure.

To cut a very long story short, to be Queensland’s Most Improved School, an accolade bestowed upon Corinda State High School, a rise of 139 in the league tables (from 245th to 106th) between 2008 and 2018 was required.  The best-performing independent school was 2nd-placed Ignatius Park College with a worthy 89 places gained over that decade (from 224th to 135th).  The fact that SCOTS had achieved dramatically more than that, over 200 places, and in one fifth of the time, only serves to underline what a wonderful transformation there has been in recent years.

Where to shine the ‘Searchlight of Virtue?’  Primarily, of course, on our youngsters who are combining innate talent, diligent study habits and increasing maturity in terms of following the guidance of committed, talented and experienced teachers.  However, education is truly a team pursuit and not only academic staff, but the steadfast support of parents, pastoral and administrative staff play key roles in ensuring the well-being of every single student at SCOTS, maximising the chances of achieving their all-round potential.

It won’t be every year that we can celebrate such dramatic improvement.  So despite our traditional reserve and modesty at SCOTS, we really do owe it to ourselves, across the entire College community, to invest in a few moments of celebratory reflection.  I wonder if the Principals at The Glennie School and Toowoomba Grammar School, in sober discussions with their respective School Councils, have set themselves lofty, ambitious goals for their OP cohort in 2019?  Who knows, perhaps some learned members of those Councils have suggested that matching the meteoric rise of SCOTS PGC College might be one way to measure their success in the years ahead?  Our intention is to continue to gaze down the league tables at such highly-regarded rivals, as the view is so much more appealing than peering up from below!

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From the Equestrian Arena

Georgia Rohde | Year 12

The SCOTS PGC College Equestrian Team headed to Pittsworth last weekend for the Fairholme Dressage and Showjumping event. This was our first event to kick off the 2019 year, which turned out to be a great success.  Our newest member Sophie Poole won the 70cm showjumping.  What an outstanding effort at her first ever interschool event!

Our two youngest members Lillian Sharpe and Shakira Hilton also achieved great results.  Well done to all of our team members who put in a great deal of effort and showed true sportsmanship throughout the whole weekend.

We look forward to the next interschool event being Stuartholme Dressage and Showjumping on the 9th and 10th of March.

 

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Changes to Reporting

Mark Richards | Director of Learning & Innovation

As our school community adapts to the new QCE system you will notice a few changes with reporting, fewer assessments, and a greater emphasis on individualised feedback.

  • This term you will receive a pastoral report outlining how your child is settling in and there will be parent-teacher interviews on the last day of term.
  • A full academic report based on Semester One work will arrive at the beginning of Term 3.
  • Students will not receive grades on individual assessment items, but will receive an overall grade (A, B, C, D or E) at the end of the Semester and the end of the Year.
  • Feedback on assessments will be published soon after the assessment has been completed.
  • I encourage you to contact your child’s teachers individually if you have any concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me via the Senior School office on 07 4666 9841

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Prefect Retreat

Amelia Spriggs | Academic Prefect

The new Prefects of SCOTS PGC College journeyed to Brisbane last Friday to participate in a weekend full of bonding (and walking….21 km on Saturday alone!).

Taking a bit of a twist from the usual Storm King Dam retreat, we travelled to the inner city where we had the opportunity to take part in some great workshops – all designed to strengthen our team as a whole.  These sessions included team-building exercises which generated inspirational conversations. Among these, former College Captain and DUX, Captain Nic Barber of the Australian Army taught and encouraged us all to create a fully functional team, and reinforced our ideas as to what we should strive for in leading the school.

Our Chaplain, Rev Willie, took us on a spiritually enhancing and relaxing journey later followed by Mr Thompson who worked with us to see where we wanted to guide the College, giving us helpful and entertaining advice as to how we can achieve what we have all set out to do.

A National Basketball League game was next on the agenda (go Brisbane Bullets!) where we observed team work from a distance, appreciating how well a group of people can perform when working as a team. It was awesome to see Brisbane win in a nail-biting finish, beating the New Zealand Breakers to reach the play-offs.

With our Brisbane retreat almost at a close, we shared our final breakfast with some past students of SCOTS, 2016 graduates Grace Hardy, Will Dearden, and Kassie Peel. It was a fantastic way to end the weekend, receiving some great advice from those who were in our place a few years earlier. All in all, an excellent weekend that strengthened our prefect team as a whole, and a memorable experience that future leadership teams of SCOTS should look forward to.


Social Justice/Student Council Prefect Bridie Shooter also reflected on their weekend away...

One of the greatest qualities a team can have is cohesion. Leaving the routine of daily school life behind, the Year 12 Prefects embarked on a leadership retreat in Brisbane. These short few days away, gave the Prefects the ability to step out of our comfort zones and not only explore the many opportunities Brisbane has to offer, such as the infamous Lime scooters, but also the dynamics and qualities necessary in a successful team. The retreat was an amazing experience, where strong bonds were made and unity was developed. The 2019 Year 12 Prefects look forward to utilising the  team building skills we learnt from the camp to continue to lead the school to the best of our abilities.

 

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Junior Achiever – Jane Bazley

It was wonderful to see some familiar faces at the Clifton Show last week, in particular, one our Year 2 students, Jane Bazley.  At just six years old, Jane placed first in the Junior Cattle Judging, where she was competing with students twice her age.  What a fantastic achievement – Well done Jane!

It was also great to see that Jane chose to proudly wear her SCOTS PGC colours as she walked away with the winning ribbon.  Congratulations Jane, we are sure you’ll be one to watch as a future SCOTS PGC Cattle Club representative.

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Unleashing our Potential: Education for all

Mark Richards | Director of Learning and Innovation

Recently I became a father for the first time.  Besides the sleepless nights and constant changing of nappies, I have begun to wonder what his life will be like in the future.  At such a young age, life is full of potential, exciting things to experience, careers to establish and lives to lead.  As a community, unleashing this potential in our students, both inside and outside the classroom, is reflected in our vision to inspire students to be their best.

We are doing some very exciting things at the SCOTS PGC College for the realisation of human potential.  Concentrating on building quality relationships, individualising learning and setting high standards.  Instead of labelling students by ability, we endeavour to emphasise effort and commitment.  Our values of Tenacity and Authenticity encourage a never give up attitude and to be true to who we are.   As a College, we encourage colleagues, students, and the wider SCOTS PGC community to embrace the ideal of becoming our best, most authentic selves and serving others in unleashing their potential.  This sort of education doesn’t just happen in a classroom.  It happens in every moment where we are genuinely engaging in life and tapping our yearnings to matter and make a difference.  Education is a living process of facilitating the realisation of our potential – as individuals, teams, organisations, communities, and as a society. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.  Excellence is a daily choice and our guiding principle for success.

When we apply this to education, we get the following insight.  If we educate simply to help people fit into the world as it is, we don't progress.  If we educate people to unleash their potential beyond their current circumstance, we help them become agents in creating their best selves and a better world.  This is what I would wish for my child, and what I will strive for the students at SCOTS PGC College.

 

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Year 10 Career Avenues Testing

Mrs Melissa Bellingham | VET Coordinator

SET planning is a process in which Year 10 students are assisted to think through future education and career possibilities. The program will continue throughout Terms 1 and 2, and will culminate on Travel Day in Term 3 with an interview between the students, parents and their SET Plan Teacher, at which time the student’s subject selections for Years 11 and 12 will be finalised.

On Wednesday 27th February, as the first step in the SET Plan process, all Year 10 students will be undertaking a full career assessment conducted by Dr Marian Kratzing, a Careers Psychologist with Career Avenues, a specialist career consultancy service.  The cost per student will be $99 which includes a comprehensive written report and a 1-2 hour group feedback session. (The comparative cost of an individual career assessment in Brisbane can cost around $550).

The assessment session will be around 4 hours in duration and will consist of some questionnaires and tests designed to measure factors which are important in selecting a career.  These will include:

  1. An Aptitude Assessment covering six areas: non verbal, verbal, numerical, clerical, mechanical and spatial reasoning. This assessment is very important in helping students establish where their strengths lie.
  2. Occupational Interest Assessment: This assessment item uses an Australian interest inventory to identify preferred vocational roles.
  3. Personal Style Assessment: The personal style will give information about the kind of work focus and work environment which will most likely suit the student.

 

Report & Interview:

Following the assessment session, the results will be scored and analysed and then Dr Kratzing will write individual reports for each student of around 12 -13 pages each.  The reports will be handed back and explained in a group feedback session with Dr Kratzing.  This session will take place at school in early May.

If you are a new student to the College in Years 11 or 12, we would encourage you to undertake this assessment to help assist you with your future career direction and subject selections.  The cost of the assessment ($99) will be debited to your school account.  If you would like to participate in the assessment process, please see Mrs Bellingham as soon as possible.

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The Legends of Literature

Fraser Bolton |  Head of English Faculty

While reading the newspaper last month, I was delighted to see a small article which announced the release by Australia Post of a new series of stamps honouring five “Legends” of Australian children’s literature. The stamps, to be released early this year, feature the faces of these five legendary authors, as well as the covers of some of their most famous books: Mem Fox (Where is the Green Sheep?), Alison Lester (Magic Beach), Shaun Tan (The Lost Thing), Leigh Hobbs (Mr Chicken goes to Paris), and the current Australian Children’s Laureate, Morris Gleitzman (Once). How pleasing it is to see these individuals being recognised for their valuable contribution to the Australian literary canon.

As a parent of young children, many of these authors are on high rotation in our house – and I urge all our College families to seek out stories by these authors if you are not already doing so! All five of these authors are undeniably clever wordsmiths, and also brilliantly adept at incorporating visual images – whether these are attention-grabbing covers, subtle sketches or full-blown coloured illustrations – in their vast catalogue of work. Anyone who dismisses “picture books” as unsophisticated or purely the domain of the very young would be surprised to explore the nuances of meaning in Shaun Tan’s books, for example.

I mention this because currently, in English classes across all year levels, students continue to explore the ways in which visual images enhance and add meaning to the literary aspects of the texts we encounter in all aspects of our everyday lives. I see this happening as our youngest students, as emergent readers, use the cues in illustrations to help them decode written text. Explicit discussion about the ways that images provide clues about the texts they inhabit also provides our learners with a toolkit which assists them in self-select engaging reading material from the College library. These skills are also evident as our Year 6 students, while exploring myths and fables from around the world, note the ways in which accompanying illustrations add layers of cultural meaning to these narratives. In Year 9, as students explore the theme of “Breaking Down Barriers”, they will discover the ways in which contemporaneous art and music help us to inhabit the world in which a text (whether poetry or prose, fiction or non-fiction) was created. Our Year 11 English students are deep in the Jazz Age as they analyse the representations of characters, settings, themes and motifs in The Great Gatsby by comparing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic text with a graphic novel transformation by Australian Nicki Greenberg. This kind of rich, deep and meaningful learning is what we are striving for in our English classrooms. I encourage you to talk to your children about what they are learning and doing in their English lessons, and to speak to your child’s teacher if you would like to know more about the aims and objectives of the English programme.

 

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Tomorrow Man and Woman Workshops

Complimentary to our whole College pastoral care programme, last Tuesday we welcomed five Melbourne-based presenters from the Tomorrow Man and Woman organisation to work alongside our senior students.  Students from Years 10-12 were captivated by the presenters who facilitated single gender workshops for some long, but incredibly intense and emotional sessions.  Feedback from every student has been remarkably insightful and invariably positive.

‘It opened my eyes to my own issues, but also made me appreciate how lucky I am in my home life and to have parents like I do’. - Year 10 Boy

 

‘It was incredibly moving and eye-opening, and has created a sort of bond between all the girls in our group’. - Year 12 Girl

 

‘It made me see everyone has problems of one sort or another, and has really pulled our Year group closer together’. - Year 11 Boy

 

Some of our students and staff will recall our first visit of Tom Harkin, the Founder of the organisation, and Tom Bell, the senior facilitator, back in March 2017.  Their impact was immediate and immense, and if you would like to be reminded of how these sessions operate, try watching from the 35:00 mark until the 50:00-minute mark of the clip below, from the ABC Man Up TV series.

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/man-up/series/1/video/DO1504H002S00

Our intention is to host Tomorrow Man and Woman sessions again later in the year, such is their incredible powers in providing unique well-being support for our youngsters at a critical time in their lives.

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Reminders

Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisation Consent Forms - An email has been sent out today to our families with children in Year 7 and Year 10 regarding immunisation consent forms. Please return the forms at your earliest convenience or for more information contact our Health Centre on  07 4666 9803.

School TV Information Session - An information session on our new parent resource School TV will be held next Monday 25th February at 5.00pm in the Bandy Theatre.

Prep-Year 12 Pastoral Care Programme - A PDF version of the College's Pastoral Care Programme for 2019 is now available for viewing through the Publications page on the College website or by clicking the following link -  http://scotspgc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/P-12-Pastoral-Care-Programme-2019.pdf

 

 

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BEAQ-QUT Accounting Student Forum

Our College Accounting students had a taste of where their love for the subject can take them in the real world.  Last Friday they attended a dedicated Accounting Forum at QUT organised by the Business Educators Association of Queensland (BEAQ).  The aim of this forum was to broaden students’ understanding of topics in the Accounting course, showcase career opportunities in the accounting field, allow students to hear real world examples of how accounting is used and provide an opportunity for networking with other accounting students.

Students participated in a range of workshops on topics such as accounting as a career, forensic accounting and decision making using accounting.  Each student received a sample bag of goodies, and Emily Rhodes was one of a few attendees lucky enough to win one of the great lucky door prizes.

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Join us on a road less-travelled

Mr David Proudlove - Head of Senior School

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.  Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

Mark Twain

‘Life is a rich tapestry’, is a metaphor often used when pondering the complexities of our existence, and let’s face it, at SCOTS, that tapestry has a broad tartan border, and is heavy Highland wool!  I have had to contemplate the challenges of the distinctive SCOTS’ fabrics of late as our son had the honour and duty of acquiring those seemingly 1 cm thick, navy blue socks that Prefects wear, not to mention the many metres, and kilograms of the fabric that the kilt is constructed of.

I am sure William Wallace would have fared vastly better against the English invaders at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 if he’d had something prepared for him in poly-cotton, or perhaps breathable lycra to gird his patriotic loins!

Really good schools are always adding new threads and colours to their particular tapestry, and for 2019, the ones I am most looking forward to seeing added are the royal blue, yellow and emerald green of the Solomon Islands’ flag.  Like so many recently independent countries, their flag’s colours portray those of the physical geography of the nation itself, and in Term 3, our inaugural trip to this tropical, Pacific Ocean paradise will involve students, staff and perhaps even one or two parents from the College community.

Nothing is ever simple, it seems, when trying to organise a visit to remote villages in outlying provinces of the Solomon Islands, but we have made every effort to establish some certainties as we hereby open the quest to assemble a team of SCOTS adventurers.  Last year’s reconnaissance visit revealed many very useful insights.

Certainties include:

  • On 17-28July, a party of between 10 and 15, Year 10-12 students, with 5 or 6 staff and parents, will be spending more than a week in the village of Baesango, in Malaita Province, from where men and women have been employed at Kerry and Simon McCarthy’s leafy greens farm near Clifton for 6-month spells over a period of more than 6 years.
  • Our students will help the local primary school children in their lessons, that are predominantly taught in English; and in the late afternoons, socialise and play with the children and their families in the village.
  • Weekend activities will include swimming in, or just floating down the Kwarea River (I have been assured the villagers have eaten all the crocodiles) learning to paddle a dugout canoe and listening to, but also learning to make and play the bamboo flutes and drums the villagers are famous for.
  • We will receive the most amazing, humbling hospitality; a sharing of all the villagers have, feasting on the freshest fruit and vegetables some of which we will pick ourselves, including pineapple, banana, coconut, and tarot.
  • On the ferry from the capital city, Honiara, to Auki in Malaita Province, our group may contain the only pale faces among many hundreds of ebony-skinned islanders. It is a fascinating experience to be one of a tiny minority if never experienced before.
  • No ‘Jumpers and Jazz in July’ Warwick winter woollies, and certainly no kilts are required as both the days and nights hover around 30 degrees and 90% humidity.

Uncertainties include:

  • There may very well not be any seatbelts on the rather venerable coaster buses we will board to travel to the closest road access to Baesango (but the fact that speeds rarely exceed 30 km/h certainly reduces the risk associated with this situation).
  • Depending on the intensity of recent rainfall, there may not be much tarmac on any of the roads, indeed nor much gravel as the routes through the rain forest often become bare rock tracks in northern Malaita Province.
  • Dugout canoes do not come with personal flotation devices, but as the river is typically only 1-1.5 metres deep, swimming and wading in the warm waters are excellent options in a capsize!
  • Things don’t happen according to strict timetables, but on ‘island time’, so patience, and an appreciation of both the company of friends and a good book are invaluable traits. The villagers simply LOVE Uno, too, so several fresh packs of that card game will be imported into the Solomons when we go.

 

So there you have it.  The inaugural SCOTS-Solomons trip is looking for a few good young women and men, and some slightly older specimens too, for what won’t be your average overseas holiday.  Please let me know if your daughter or son, or indeed you yourself fancy taking a walk on the slightly wilder side this July.  Our aim is for this to be an annual occurrence, so if not 2019, perhaps 2020?

As Mark Twain so eloquently phrased it above, there are such rich rewards awaiting those who explore some of the less-travelled corners of the world.

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Allora Show Success

Peter Collett (Cattle Club) & Carel Rothman (Sheep Club)

The local country shows are now filling up our calendars each weekend for the short term future.  Last week we were happy to be a part of the Allora Show and all it had to offer.  Our cattle and sheep clubs once again did the College proud with an excellent display of students and animals taking part in their respective events.  With new members joining the ranks in both clubs, the show was a good opportunity to put some of their new skills into practice and observe some of our seasoned professionals.

We are pleased to share the following results from our first show outing:

Cattle Club

It was a pleasing start for our first show.  Congratulations to the following students:

15-25 years Judges 2nd place:      Bridie Shooter

12-14 years Judges 2nd place:      Thea Diack

12-14 years Judges 3rd place:       Lily Emmerton

12-14 years Paraders 3rd place:   Mia Bischoff

The cattle club also had an Angus Heifer awarded Reserve Champion (Junior Heifer)

 

Sheep Club

SCOTS PGC won two of the three Interbreed Sheep Classes at this year’s Allora show. We also walked away with the following awards:

Supreme Champion Ewe of the show

Supreme Champion Breeders Group of the show

Students in the Junior Judging competition did well with placings all round:

1st place:           Isabelle Twidale

2nd place:          Damien King

3rd place:           Abby Brown

 

 

 

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Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman

We are looking forward to welcoming some special guest speakers to the College next Tuesday.  ‘Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman’ will be spending time with every boy and girl in Years 10-12 to discuss a range of topics that are aligned within the College’s pastoral care programme.

Experienced, Melbourne-based facilitators will work with single-gender groups from Year 10-12, building on a foundation laid by Tom Harkin, founder of Tomorrow Man and well known from the 2016 ABC TV series, 'Man Up', and his associate, Tom Bell, when they first visited the College in March 2017.

The organisation delivers workshops in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and communities, Australia wide, inviting their participants to deconstruct and rewrite the codes that hold us back from who we really are.

Tomorrow Man's aim is to disrupt an old-school male stereotype of masculinity and grow resilience, self-confidence and peer support.  The Tomorrow Woman's facilitators aim to create spaces that enable and support women to cultivate and practice their voice so that they feel ready and able to express themselves in a way that is true to character in various situations.  The facilitators will teach our boys and girls to live their own version of a man or woman of tomorrow -  free from external pressures and internal limitations of old and new expectations and stereotypes.

All students in Year 10-12 will be involved in a workshop at some point on Tuesday, 19 February. While of course there will be some disruption to their lessons that day, the impact of these explorations of self and peers has benefits that are far-reaching, and potentially life-changing in a remarkably positive way.

 

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General News

Warwick Show Emerging Photographer of the Year

Are you a budding photographer?  Perhaps you’d like to take part in the Warwick Show Emerging Photographer of the Year Awards.

If interested, please see Mrs Bohm as soon as possible.  We’d love to see some entrants!

 

2019 Student Residential Address and Other Information collection notice
This notice is from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training (the department), to advise you that the department has requested that your child’s school provide a statement of addresses, in accordance with the Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth) (Regulation).

A statement of addresses contains the following information about each student at the school:

- Student residential address (not student names)

- Student level of education (i.e. whether the student is a primary or secondary student)

- Student boarding school status (i.e. whether the student is boarding or a day student)

- Names and residential addresses of students’ parent(s) and/or guardian(s)

Schools generate a record number for each student for the purposes of this collection, which is also provided to the department. For more information please see links below:

For parents - 2019 collection notice

For parents - FAQs 2019 address collection - 06022019

 

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W4 Co-curricular Programme

T1W4 Sport Fixtures

Mr Tom Bradbury - Assistant Director of Co-curricular

With week 3 down, our activities schedule is now in full swing, with students and their respective co-curricular groups taking part in a number of events and competitions.  From all reports, students are enjoying the process of learning new skills, building friendships and competing in their specialist areas.  We hope the following wrap up demonstrates just how beneficial our co-curricular activities are for our students and their wider development.

 

SCOTS PGC Senior Interclan Swimming Carnival

Our senior school students gathered at the WIRAC last Thursday to contest the 2019 Senior Interclan Swimming Carnival.  The events were hotly contested across most age groups and events and our parent spectators were treated to an excellent display of swimming.

The clan swims were well supported by all students present if for no other reason but to cool off in the muggy conditions. It was also wonderful to see a number of staff leading the way in these clan swim off events to encourage their charges.

The overall clan championship winners were spread amongst the clans which made the competition tight right until the death.  Our winners are:

Girls Interclan Relays      Macinnes

Boys Interclan Relays     Mackay

Champion Girl Clan        Leslie

Champion Boy Clan       Mackay

Champion Clan            Leslie

Not unlike the JAM Carnival the day prior, the Age Championships offered us a mixture of tight tussles and runaway victories. We are pleased to announce the following students as this year's Age Champions and Runners-Up for 2019:

Girls

13yrs - Age Champion - Krystal Petersen             Runner-up - Macey Edgar

14yrs - Age Champion - Ruby Noller                   Runner-up - Jacoba de Jager

15yrs - Age Champion - Erin Fearby                    Runner-up - Alexandra Marchand

16yrs - Age Champion - Shona McFarland           Runner-up - Faithe Repo

17/18yrs - Age Champion - Emily Rhodes            Runner-up - Jessica Brierley

 

Boys

13yrs - Age Champion - Cooper Harm                Runner-up - Darcy Noller

14yrs - Age Champion - River Taylor                  Runner-up - Jesse Bohm

15yrs - Age Champion - Max Keable                   Runner-up - Nicholas McGahan

16yrs - Age Champion - William Gilmore             Runner-up - William Lawrence

17/18yrs - Age Champion - Thomas Keable         Runner-up - Chase Naylor

Two major records were broken during the carnival and we congratulate the following students on setting new marks in these events.

17/18yrs 50m Butterfly - Emily Rhodes

16yrs 50m Butterfly - Shona McFarland

Congratulations to all the students on their hearty participation and support of their fellow team mates.  A special thanks to all the staff who worked tirelessly to get through our big programme and help the day run as efficiently as possible.  Thank you lastly to the parents for their attendance and support of their children. These school days are short lived and not all can get the opportunity to celebrate their children's achievements in the flesh so I am sure the children appreciated having you here to see them compete.

This week we contest the Border District Championships, next week the Warwick All Schools and yet to come is the QCIS Championship. Those who have qualified for the Darling Downs trials have been notified and they will proceed to compete in these in early March.  Detail of the pending carnivals will be issued as soon as possible via SEQTA so please stay tuned.

 

Futsal kicks off with solid performances!

Our 2019 futsal campaign kicked off this week in Toowoomba with solid performances against some seasoned combinations.

Our boys were no easy beats with the following initial results:

Year 5/6 Boys:               5-3 loss with 5 attempts hitting the framework

Year 9/10 boys:              7-4 win and a 6-4 loss

Year 11/12 boys:            6-4 loss in what was quite possibly the senior match of the round

We are newcomers in the girls’ competition and our littlest combatants the Year 5/6 team, showed some great fighting spirit to go down 5-3 to Glennie’s Year 7 team. At the time of submission our Year 9/10 Team and 11/12 Teams were yet to compete but we look forward to reporting on their exploits next week.

 

College Netball

The senior and junior girl’s teams kicked off their Warwick Senior Netball campaign with wins all around on Tuesday night which was a fantastic way to start the year. Miss Tiffany Cullen is back on board to coach our senior side, whilst Mrs Hester Wiid and Mrs Louise Ratcliffe have once again put their hand up to co-ordinate what is expected to be an exciting season of SCOTS PGC netball.  Not only are these ladies co-ordinating but they are also coaching our junior teams which will include the Laura Geitz's team (Year 7, 8, 9) competing this weekend in Toowoomba. This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a completion endorsed by our former student and Australian Diamond representative, Laura Geitz. We wish the girls the very best in what will undoubtedly be a baptism of fire as our first team to enter this prestigious regional event.

The College will also be entering teams into the Junior and Senior Vicki Wilson Regional Competitions held later in the year which will see our girls put themselves against the best of the Darling Downs for a spot in the State Finals in October.

We are very excited about our partnership with Warwick Netball which will see more girls access the Inter-District programme, exposing them to greater competition and enhancing their skill development through an appropriately paced developmental pathway.

 

Rugby News

In what has been a juggling act between school-based competition and club-based participation we have decided a club-based program will provide the best opportunities in 2019.  We anticipate this leading to a regional school based competition in 2019/2020 pending QRU funding and school commitment from within the region. Details of this programme will come to all families in the near future with Teams in Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 being raised from within the College. Keep an eye out on SEQTA in the coming week.

 

Cricket in the Spotlight

Cricket has made a return to the SCOTS PGC playing fields with our re-entry into the local competition. If your son or daughter is interested in playing either Under 11, Under 13 or Under 16 please come on down to Briggs Oval Wednesday afternoons for some great coaching, comradery and fun with our coaching staff.

Next week our First XI play their first T20 match for the year against Assumption College, so keep an eye out for game venue and playing time details in the coming days.

 

Darling Downs Trials 19 February 2019

Next Tuesday we wish the following students the very best as they contest their respective regional trials in Toowoomba...

Tennis - William Gilmore, Kira Holmes

Touch - Peter McFarland, Eve King, Chloe O'Halloran

If your child is a notable athlete and keen to trial at respective Southern Downs and Border District sporting events, please watch out for details on SEQTA messages. I have recently sent details of upcoming trials for both these and have only received a few expressions of interest.

 

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Broncos drop in on SCOTS

We were very fortunate to receive a special visit from Broncos representatives Michael Hancock and Paul Dyer this morning.  Our Years 4-6 students had a break from the books and headed to Briggs Oval where our new Broncos friends captivated the kids with activities and games in name of rugby league.

Mick and Paul are visiting Warwick in preparation for the Broncos trial match which is scheduled to take place tomorrow against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Father Ranger Oval.  The clash is bound to be a good one, with plenty of our own ‘footy inspired’ students eager to watch on tomorrow night.

A big thank you to the Broncos for taking the time to visit the College.  Keep an eye for evidence of our brush with footy fame in tomorrow’s Warwick Daily News where we will feature on the front cover.

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Pastoral Care Programme

Mr Simon Edgar

What a fantastic start we’ve had to the 2019 school year with students and staff enthusiastic about the academic and co-curricular opportunities that lie ahead. The positive energy the students have returned to school with has been energising for all within the College community.

The start of the new school year also sees the introduction of many new learning initiatives and programmes, all of which combine to provide our students with skills to help them develop cognitively and maximise their potential in a number of learning areas.

This term we are pleased to introduce a reinvigorated College wide Pastoral Care programme which has been designed to cater for students across Prep – Year 12.    The programme focusses on four major themes, with relevant and age appropriate teaching and learning content for the whole College.

  • Organisation, resilience and character values
  • Cybersafety and relationships
  • Friendships, peers and body image
  • Health and Wellbeing

Significant research into pastoral care programmes in schools has shown that an aligned programme across the breadth of the school, which is well resourced and timetabled regularly has highly improved outcomes for students.  Improved overall wellbeing, a greater sense of belonging and higher academic outcomes can all be attributed to the benefits a well considered pastoral care programme provides.

The creation and implementation of this pastoral care programme align with the strategic aim to develop our boys and girls (one of the four pillars within the recently launched strategic plan).  As SCOTS PGC educators we aim and seek to develop socially responsible young people who exemplify our five values of respect, spirit, tenacity, authenticity and excellence.

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General Notices

 

 

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W3 Sport Fixtures

T1W3 Co-curricular Programme

Mr Tom Bradbury - Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities

We’ve had a fantastic couple of weeks back to kick off the 2019 year.  Our highlight for Week 2 so far has to be our Swimming Carnival events that were held this week.  It was wonderful to see all students trying their very best, supporting their team mates and exercising school spirit.

Our JAM Swimming Carnival was held on Wednesday 6th February which provided a wide variety of activities for all ages and ability levels.

The beginner swimmers were fully catered for with relays and other pool games to promote their awareness and abilities in and around the water. Thank you to our Junior School Staff for their dedication and support of these activities and how they made each student feel a sense of success and accomplishment at whatever level that may have been.

Our more serious swimmers dove headlong into the 25m pool with gusto! Many students stepped right outside their comfort zones to challenge themselves with rewarding success. One student I must make mention of was Alice Rogers, who put herself right out there to have a crack at the 50m events for the 11yrs age Champion. Despite facing the undisputed 'Queen of the Pool' in Elyse Kruger, Alice was not to be deterred, and as a result, she walked away with the Runners-Up certificate and the admiration of the entire crowd assembled. This was a fine example of SCOTS PGC spirit, and we congratulate Alice on her ‘have a go’ attitude.

Others also showed great spirit and dedication to their clan with participation, raucous cheering and encouragement of their peers throughout the day. Another special mention for his persistence and determination was Cody Baker, who also challenged himself across all four strokes to come away with a Runner-up certificate.

When it came to the trophies, Cameron Clan came out on top in the aggregate points with 353 points, from MacInnes with 327, Mackay with 296 and Leslie with 236.

The Age Championships were hotly contested with some close match ups and some resounding winners across the Age Groups. We congratulate the following for their excellent performances.

Girls

9 years              Age Champion - Hannah Bourke            Runner-Up - Tia Stewart

10 years            Age Champion - Bridie Hutchison           Runner-Up - Ella Johnson

11 years            Age Champion - Ellyse Kruger                Runner-Up - Alice Rogers

12 years            Age Champion - Connie Sue-Tin             Runner-Up - Abbey Petersen

 

Boys

9 years              Age Champion - Colby Miller                  Runner-Up - Cody Baker

10 years            Age Champion - Lachlan Groves             Runner-Up - Jack McCarthy

11 years            Age Champion - Bailey Harm                  Runner-Up - James Bourke

12 years            Age Champion - Samuel Bourke             Runner-Up - Lewis May

 

Ellyse Kruger was, as I stated earlier, the undisputed 'Queen of the Pool' on the day with 3 'smashed' records, and setting a new event record in the Open Individual Medley.

Bailey Harm was certainly the fastest across the widest number of events in the boys' programme, and his performance would confirm him as the 'King of the Pool' on the day, closely followed by Samuel Bourke with his solid performances across the programme.

We congratulate all for their participation and contribution to the day. I offer a hearty thanks to the staff, gap students and parents who contributed to the running of the carnival on the day. Without this dedicated community, it would not be possible to run the event and give so many students such a broad set of opportunities.

A team of students will be selected from this carnival to contest the Southern Downs Trials on Monday 25th February, so please keep an eye out on SEQTA for these details. Many will also get the chance to compete at the QCIS Swimming Championship on March 11.

 

 

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Headed for the Allora Show?

This weekend you’ll find SCOTS PGC College representatives out in force.  Our Cattle and Sheep club students will be in the ring showing off not only the College sheep and cattle, but also their animal handling skills.

We will also have a marketing stall setup, advertising our upcoming Open Morning, which is scheduled for Friday 1 March.  If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello!

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Hawkins House – Senior Boys Boarding

Fraser Bolton - Head of House

Welcome to all of our Senior Boys’ Boarding families for 2019! As we power our way through Week Two, I can’t help judiciously paraphrasing T.S. Eliot when I mention that this term has started both with a bang and a whisper. It would be impossible to avoid the ‘bang’ as we all become reaccustomed to the routines of school life – busy days and a full schedule of both academic and co-curricular commitments do ensure that lazy summer days are nothing but a distant memory. Many of our senior boys have leadership responsibilities this year, and our Year 11s have the privilege of being the first cohort to work through the new Senior Curriculum. It’s also been great to see boys signing up for Cricket and Basketball teams and to be wholeheartedly committing to their training sessions and matches. For students who are new to the College, and are experiencing boarding for the first time, there is also the adjustment of adapting to a whole new reality. We have certainly started 2019 with a bang in Hawkins House.

However, what I’d like to focus on is not the aspects of life in boarding which are loud, proud and obvious. Instead, it’s the quiet and unassuming moments – those which ‘whisper’ past if we’re not paying attention – which distinguish the exceptional young men who constitute our Hawkins House community. At the end of 2018, I was full of pride with the way that our boys collected toys to donate to underprivileged children for Christmas presents. This was done quietly and humbly, and not done with any expectation of recognition or reward, but simply because our boys recognised their good fortune, which they wished to share with others. Despite my own loyalties as a former Cunningham boarder, I must admit that the School House shirt we have hanging in our Common Room, with its house motto of Noblesse Oblige (roughly translated as “someone with power and influence should use their social position to help other people”) pretty much sums up the Hawkins House boys’ attitude in this regard.

I was also so proud to hear about the exceptional academic results of our 2018 Year 12 Hawkins House boarders, whose dedication and tenacity has provided them with wide open doors for their futures. To this end, it has been so heartening to see our students so quickly adopting positive study habits as they work so diligently during prep. Again, this has not been with great fanfare or with the expectation of extrinsic rewards, but simply another example of how – quietly, and without fuss – our boarders continue to maximise their opportunities. Cameron, our Boarding Captain for 2019, has embodied this humility in the calm and capable manner in which he has started the year, and Chase, who is one of the JAM Prefects, has made a strong impression as he has helped some of our youngest College students to settle into life in the Junior School, as well as assisting them at the Swimming Carnival. Since the term commenced, I have also been fortunate to witness true acts of leadership by many others in Hawkins House – those who have helped members of staff and their peers in a myriad of small yet significant ways. This is embodied in the boy who signs up for Cricket, despite not knowing how to play because he knows that then there will be enough for a team. It is also evident in the boy who welcomes someone new to his table at dinner because he remembers what it was like to start at a new school. And, most of all, it whispers past us when boys take the time to smile at each other, have a conversation and check that they’re helping others as best as they can – because I see, every day, boys in Hawkins House being remarkable in the most unassuming ways.

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Welcome Gap Students

Allow us to introduce you to some of the new faces you may have seen around the College.  Four new GAP students have embarked on their SCOTS PGC adventure and have taken up residence on campus.  They are:

Alyssa Ferreira

Home town: Grahamstown, South Africa

A keen netballer (11 years playing experience and has also coached younger teams), Alyssa is also interested in Art and Drama.

Scott Stretton

Hometown: Sterkstroom, South Africa

Scott enjoys enduro riding along with trap/skeet shooting.

Jeremy Beyleveld

Home town: Grahamstown, South Africa

Jeremy is a talented sportsman in a range of sports including rugby, cricket and hockey.  Both Jeremy and Scott volunteered their cricket expertise in the recent Australia Day cricket carnival with the SCOTS Past Students team.

Sophia Butler

Hometown: Somerset West, South Africa

A hockey enthusiast who has played at the provincial level in South Africa.  Both Sophia and Alyssa are also assisting in Girls Boarding this year.

Our ‘Gappies’ as they are fondly known, will call SCOTS PGC home for the next 12 months assisting throughout the College in various capacities. We trust their time here will give them some solid experience in an educational environment, whilst providing all the great experiences our Australian culture has to offer.

If you see our GAP students at upcoming events, please extend them a warm SCOTS PGC welcome.

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Pastoral Care programme in action: Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 5 February we actively acknowledged Safer Internet Day - a global event that is held annually. The theme ‘together for a better internet’ encourages individuals to create a better internet by developing four, critical skills. We call these skills the 4Rs: Respect, Responsibility, Reasoning and Resilience.

Tuesday was perfect timing to launch our whole College pastoral care programme. During the timetabled pastoral care period, all classes and tutor groups across the College participated in a variety of activities promoting how to stay safe on the internet. Our Junior and Middle School students participated in activities performing role plays and having discussions about identifying and reporting cyberbullying, dealing with unwanted contact and potential online risks. Senior School students were involved creating messages and posting them on pledge boards, making selfie masks and web banners.

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Daily Programme & School Times

Please find below the link to the Daily Programme outlining lesson times and the start and finish of the school day.

School Begins - 8.40am

End of the Day - 3.05pm

Daily Programme 2019

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School TV – A new resource for Parents and Carers

We are excited to introduce a new online resource, ‘SchoolTV ‘ to support our pastoral care programme. SchoolTV is a world first, wellbeing platform featuring Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. It addresses the modern day realities faced by schools and parents who increasingly need clear, relevant and fact-based information to support raising safe, happy and resilient young people.

We now have our own SCOTS PGC College SchoolTV site which is a resource for parents and teachers. Parents and carers will be able to access this through our website portal links page from Friday 15th February.

A parent information session will be scheduled in the near future, so we’d encourage you to navigate the SCOTS PGC College SchoolTV site and watch the introductory 6-minute video on the welcome page.

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From the Co-Curricular Desk

T1W2 Sport Fixtures

T1W2 Co-curricular Programme

Peter Wilson

Welcome back to an exciting year of co-curricular activities.  As most parents may have seen from our initial communications earlier last week, 2019 is set to be another busy year with a healthy offering of new and refreshed activities.  It is our aim for all students to be actively involved in the physical and performing arts spheres throughout the year in combination with a service, life skills or cognition based activity where possible.

We are very excited to introduce our instrumental music program which is on offer to all students from Year 3 and older.  Music will be part of the daily curriculum in the junior year levels as well.  This is a fantastic addition to our programme and we’d encourage as many students to take up the opportunity.

Our schedule commenced this week, with students participating in swimming squad, cricket practice and trial basketball games planned for this evening against Concordia Lutheran College, in Toowoomba.

We are in the midst of processing nominations for all other activities.  Please be aware that during this process the schedules for activities may change after we gain a better understanding of numbers and resources available to lead and supervise activities.

If you are yet to complete the nominations for the students in your household, please do so at your earliest convenience.  Communication with regard to all activities will be available via SEQTA.

We look forward to reporting on a wonderful year of activities and look forward to sharing these moments with your children.

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Principal’s Welcome

Kyle Thompson

Welcome back and to our new boys and girls and their families, welcome. Who’d have thought 2019 would be on us so quickly and already the holiday period seems like a distant memory as SCOTS swings back into action. I must say the energy that our students have brought to the campus has certainly been noticed.

I reflected at the start of this year on my time thus far at SCOTS. I arrived at SCOTS PGC some 15 months ago. I remember being taken in by its history, its community and its standing as a very special school not only across Queensland but the country.

I also felt there was a shyness about us. A reluctance if you will to tell our story strongly; to be true to who we really are and to be proud of our school, our achievements and of where we want to go. In short, I believe there was some confusion in who we are or were and where we were going.

A year or so later and I think this has changed. And, our Strategic Plan and its development has been central to this.

We have had two years of record academic results. We are adding depth to our already broad co-curricular programme. We have grown as a school, in numbers and in the way we operate, and have a solid foundation from which to look forward.

Much planning has been done over the last year to ensure our ongoing success as we move into our second 100 years. The College Council, the whole of school staff, the P&F and others have had input into telling the story of who we are, what we stand for and how we are going to measure our success as we move through the next three years of our operations. And all of this, of course, is aimed at ensuring we do the best work possible for our students.

At the start of this year we launched our strategic plan. A document I am proud to present to everyone at SCOTS, and to the broader community. A document that clearly articulates our future and our measures for success, as well as who we truly are under common terminology and with a clarity of message.

Our vision for the future is clear. And it’s bold.

Stated simply, we want to be a day and boarding school of the highest standard; a school of excellence with country values and character at its heart and we will inspire our students to be their best. We have refined and strengthened our values which articulates what we stand for. The values are:

Spirit: this unites us. It is our passion and the pride we must take in all that we do. It also gives meaning to our spirituality explored under the Uniting Church ethos.

Tenacity: the ability to face challenges, to rise and demonstrate our true character. This speaks to our hard work and effort and a never give up attitude.

Authenticity: being true to who we are and what we stand for. Our actions are steeped in purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Excellence: our daily choice, a way of being and our guiding principle for success.

Respect: Sitting at the heart of our relationships and how we think, act and communicate.

You will see our four pillars in our plan: Our boys and girls, our people, our relationships, and our operations. You will be able to read what these mean, our aims and by how we will achieve our desired outcomes.

As you become familiar with the direction we are taking, you will see that SCOTS PGC is a place where our boys and girls will feel empowered and inspired to be; to be themselves, to better themselves, to realise their potential and in doing so, raise the potential of others.

Our plans are without doubt ambitious – as they should be. We’re preparing our boys and girls for a bold new world; one we’re yet to fully imagine.

I commend the SCOTS PGC strategic plan to you and I look forward to all we will achieve in its lifetime.

We have a short video on our social media platform sharing with you an overview of the start of our plan - Watch it HERE. You can also download the entire Strategic Plan at http://scotspgc.com.au/strategic-plan-2019-2021/

I encourage everyone to read the blueprint to our future and I look forward to all that we will achieve this year.

 

 

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Need to Know…

Changes to the College Newsletter - Throughout the term we’ll be canvassing our community to better understand what our readers want to see in future editions of the newsletter.  As a result, changes to our newsletter may start taking shape over the coming weeks. For now, we will continue to offer a weekly edition which will be pushed out each Friday afternoon as usual and will communicate any intended changes in a timely manner. Stay tuned!

P&F AGM Monday 18th February 7.00pm-8.30pm - Come along to the Parents and Friends' Association's AGM to be involved in this wonderful group that supports the College in many key areas of College life and development.

Have you got the SCOTS PGC App? It's so easy to download and gives you quick and easy access to the College calendar, SEQTA, staff contact numbers and much more. For more information on how to download the app click here.

Prep - Year 6 Meet the Teacher Night Tuesday 5th February 6.00pm-7.30pm - Come along to the Assembly Hall to personally meet your child's teacher and learn more about what's in store for this year.

 

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New Leaders Inducted

We commenced our return to the 2019 school year with our annual Prefect Induction ceremony on Wednesday.  With our entire College in attendance, our new leaders pledged their commitment to fulfill their leadership roles with pride and integrity.

Whilst our Prefects have been appointed with a specific leadership portfolio or position, the Induction ceremony was an opportunity to remind our entire senior cohort that they are all leaders in their own right, with the younger student body looking to each of them as daily role models.

With the help of our senior students, our Prefects intend to unify and further strengthen the spirit within SCOTS PGC and with 2019 as the final year of the College Centenary celebrations; ‘Unity’ is a virtue that couldn’t be more befitting.

We are proud to present and support our 2019 College Prefects.

Best of luck for the year ahead!

College Captains:                                           Samuel Proudlove & Emily Rhodes

Boys Boarding Captain:                                Cameron McNair

Girls Boarding Captain:                                Jessica Brierley

Cameron Clan Prefect:                                  Jonathon Winter

Leslie Clan Prefect:                                        Lesego Liebenberg

Mackay Clan Prefect:                                     Rose Dearden

Macinnes Clan Prefect:                                 Amelia Meek

Academic Prefect:                                         Amelia Spriggs

College Spirit Prefect:                                   Georgia Johnson

Events and Cultural Prefect:                        Timothy Lang

JAM Prefects:                                                 Chase Naylor & Eve King

Publicity Prefect:                                           Hannah Thomas

Social Justice/Student Council Prefect:       Bridie Shooter

Spiritual Life Prefect:                                    Siobhan McEvoy

VET Prefect:                                                   Bridget Christensen

 

 

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Welcome to New Staff

In addition to welcoming all of our students back, we’d like to extend a very warm welcome to the new staff who have also joined us to commence the school year and support our students in specialist teaching areas.

Mrs Wendy Watkins - Mathematics Teacher

Wendy comes to SCOTS PGC College with a wealth of practical and technical experience.  She worked for a number of years as a Geophysicist within the mining industry before gaining her teaching qualifications.  Wendy has taught in State and Catholic schools prior to joining us.

Mr Malcolm Heather - Legal Studies and Humanities Teacher

Malcolm’s extensive experience in law will provide our students with an extraordinary level of insight into the “real world”.  Malcolm has worked as a Senior Lawyer for the Queensland Government and as the Aide de Camp for the Governor of Queensland in addition to teaching in Education Queensland schools.

Mr Simon Mascadri - Industrial Technology Teacher

Simon has worked in both State and Catholic education sectors as an Industrial Technology and Design Teacher as well as working in the private sector in a range of construction-related roles.  Simon will be delivering certificate level qualifications within our VET stream and Technology and STEM in Years 7-10.

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From the Libraries

Images: The Learning Resource Centre (Senior School) and WALEC (Junior and Middle) have been transformed this week getting into the Australia Day theme. Above is the Learning Resource Centre.

Christine Peterson - Head of Library Services

Welcome to 2019, this year the SCOTS PGC libraries are running with the theme of “The Year of Reading Dangerously.”  I hope that students will begin to take some risks with their reading and explore new genres and styles of books.  Students can also access e-books and audio books via the AccessIT link on SEQTA.

There will be a variety of events happening over the year in the libraries starting with a writing competition for “Library Lovers’ day” which just happens to be 14 February.  This is an initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association for libraries across Australia.  Students are asked to write a short story which can be about anything. It just has to start with the writing prompt 'there was love to be found in the library'.

In March we are having the first of two book fairs these are from Scholastic and will have books for all age groups from Prep to 12 and I would encourage all students to have a look.  Proceeds from the fairs will benefit our College with money to purchase more books for the College.

The libraries are always open to all students and if you, as parents, have any questions about the library or the services we provide please feel free to contact me at any point.

WALEC Display

 

 

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Pumping up the Music

We are very excited to share our plan to implement a reinvigorated and expanded music programme for 2019.

Students from every year level will now have the opportunity to be involved in the programme which will take shape in many forms.  Commencing this term, we have initiated:

  • Music every day in Prep with Mrs Whittaker
  • Instrumental strings programme for Year 4
  • Instrumental brass and woodwind programme for Year 5
  • The opportunity to be part of the mixed or string ensembles for Years 3-12 through the co-curricular activities programme
  • The opportunity to have individual lessons from specialist teachers

In addition to the above mentioned offering, music will be offered as part of the regular curriculum at all year levels through to Year 10.  This initiative comes with many benefits as reported by The Educator magazine:

“A growing body of research shows that music education not only improves student wellbeing but can boost their academic outcomes as well.

Longer attention span, emotional stability, resilience and cognitive capacity are just a few of the outcomes realised from students who learn to play an instrument and actively engage in this type of education.”

The introduction of the new music programme demonstrates our commitment to continually improve the learning experiences for our students and inspire them to be their best.

Please come along to our Prep - Year 6 “Meet the Teacher” night next Tuesday 5 February at 6pm.  Mrs Wendy Whittaker will share more detailed information in this forum and parents will have the opportunity learn and ask questions about the musical opportunities of offer.

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From the Boarding Houses

It was great to welcome back all of our boarding students to their respective houses on Tuesday.  We’d also like to extend a special welcome to the many new faces who are joining our boarding family here at SCOTS PGC.

We’ve included a couple of photos of our brand new boarders in their first week here at SCOTS PGC (yes, these pics are for you mums, dads and extended family)

We will hear from our each of our Heads of Boarding in next week’s edition after all of our students have had an opportunity to settle into the new routines of boarding and College life.