Help Required – Netball Carnival 23 May 2021

We are seeking parent assistance to help run a canteen for a netball carnival on Sunday 23 May 2021. The canteen will be run on site at the College (not at Briggs Oval) so there will be no requirement to supply hot food. We are looking for at least 3 volunteers to supply a suggested menu of sandwiches, cold drinks and home baking.

Please register your interest as soon as possible to our P&F Canteen Convenor – Toni Crawford or contact the College reception

Collection Notice for Parents

The attached notice from the Queensland Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment outlines details of information requested for schools to submit directly to the …

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Collection Notice for Parents

The attached notice from the Queensland Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment outlines details of information requested for schools to submit directly to the department.

Please note this notice is for your information only.  You are not required to take any action, however, you may wish to check that the College has the correct address details on record.

For more information please CLICK HERE

Equestrian Afternoon Tea

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Equestrian Afternoon Tea

Key Dates featured image

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 …

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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 Monday 8 February)

Monday 8 February

  • Year 7 Parent Information Evening | 6:00pm
  • Visual Art Excursion for Years 9-12

Wednesday 10 February

  • Border District Swimming Carnival

Thursday 11 February

  • College Photograph Day |Portraits

Friday 12 February

  • 5-12 Years Swimming Carnival
ACER Scholarship – Closing soon featured image

ACER Scholarship – Closing soon

Academic Scholarships are offered to current and new students in Years 7 to 11 who demonstrate high levels of achievement in ACER testing. ACER testing …

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ACER Scholarship – Closing soon

Academic Scholarships are offered to current and new students in Years 7 to 11 who demonstrate high levels of achievement in ACER testing.

ACER testing is conducted annually in February for entry in Years 7 to 11 the following year.  2022 application registrations close on Monday 8 February 2021.  Applicants are invited to sit the external ACER Scholarship test at the SCOTS PGC College Campus on Saturday 27 February.

All examinations are managed and marked by ACER who provide the College with results and scholarship recommendations.

SCOTS PGC P&F 2021 featured image

SCOTS PGC P&F 2021

Supporting the School Community Another exciting year has commenced and the P&F is looking forward to a vigorous role, supporting the school and parent/carer community.  …

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SCOTS PGC P&F 2021

Supporting the School Community

Another exciting year has commenced and the P&F is looking forward to a vigorous role, supporting the school and parent/carer community.  We have a number of events planned for the year and these will be discussed at the first P&F meeting of the year on Monday 15 February.

The first order of business at the AGM will be electing people to the P&F positions and we are seeking several nominations this year as many of our current dedicated office bearers are stepping down after many years of great service.

At this stage there is high uncertainty how we will fill these roles, as only 1 or 2 people have indicated an interest in nominating (fortunately our brilliant Canteen Convenor from the last few years ‘Toni’ has agreed to perform the role again).  The implications of not filling all roles may mean 2021 events like ‘Colour Run, Mother’s/Father’s Day stall, don’t go ahead.

The P&F exists to support the students and school community through various events and of course undertake fund raising activities.  This year we are expecting to provide the major portion of funding for the new Junior Playground and Dining Hall shade shelter.  For the P&F to be effective in making these projects happen and to plan and run student and parent events, we need a small band of committed volunteers. Whilst there is some work and organising required by people in these roles, I can assure you there is so much fun to be had and seeing the joy on student’s faces at events like the Father’s Day stall or Colour Run is such a fantastic reward.

If you feel you could fill one of the 4 roles (President, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President) this year, please contact our outgoing President, Gary Zerner (0437 614 788) or Lindsay Burgess (0419 272 301).

 

 

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Reflection Time

Mr Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School I wanted to begin by welcoming everyone back to the school year, especially our …

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Reflection Time

Mr Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

I wanted to begin by welcoming everyone back to the school year, especially our new families.  As I was new last year, I know that these first couple of weeks are spent familiarising yourself with the routines and flow of SCOTS PGC and I have every confidence that this will become inherent quickly.  Last weekend was a hive of activity with the cricket and futsal seasons starting, and this week will see the equestrian team, Sheep and Cattle Clubs gear up, as well as swimming, and rehearsals for the College’s production of A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream.  One of the many benefits of attending SCOTS PGC are that there are so many opportunities to become involved in the myriad of activities on offer.

At last Friday’s Middle and Senior School Assembly, I encouraged the students to look forward to the new year and all of the exciting aspects ahead but also to consider the importance of reflecting on their performance last year.  I asked them to remember, that the report issued last year, was a snap shot of their performance at that time, last year.  I also stressed to them that importantly, a report is not a snapshot of a student’s ability, it is simply a report on how hard they had worked and what they were able to achieve.  I pointed out that for some students, their report was not a true reflection of their ability and that now was the time to really reflect on their effort last year to see whether it married with their ability.  If it did, then all that was needed was to continue working as hard as they possibly could.  If their effort did not match their ability, then the student needed to rethink their planning and strategy, and reflect on what their report says with regards to improving their performance.

Whilst school may pose challenges for students, it also provides an environment where students are challenged daily with new ideas, learning opportunities and social and emotional situations.  Schools provide chances for the making of new friendships and, sometimes the dissolving of others; it is all part of the ebb and flow that is life.

Academically, as a student in Middle School you are faced with only a few choices about subjects, because this comes later in Years 11 and 12.  Schools provide students in Middle School and right up to Year 10, the opportunity to experience a wide range of subjects, so that when it comes time to make choices for Years 11 and 12, their choices are informed ones. Students are encouraged to choose subjects that they like and are good at, whether that is on an academic pathway, a vocational pathway or a hybrid of the two.  However, to make an informed choice about subject selections, students need to ensure that they have tried their very best, to accurately gauge their performance in each subject.

I think back to a young man at a previous school I worked at who everyone called Condy, because, strangely enough, he came from Condamine. He was the Dux of the School, an OP 1 student and his advice during a final Assembly Speech on how to do well at school was so simple, that I can still remember it all these years later. He said that the key to academic success was “to listen to your teachers and do what they say.”  That’s it.  It wasn’t quantified by anything to do with hours at a desk on your own or in a study group, it started with full and total engagement in the classroom.  Everything he did after, that was so much more effective and productive, because the foundation of learning had already occurred in the classroom.  So that’s my first piece of wisdom for the year and believe me they don’t come much simpler.

The second piece of advice I have, has three parts to it and they all revolve around classroom engagement.  The first is “Come prepared for work”, that means on time with all the necessary equipment – laptop, calculator, pens etc.  These are your tools of your trade and you can’t get the job done without them.

The second is “Work”- be attentive in class and do your best.  Remember effort is everything.

The final one, number 3 is, “respect the rights of others to work and the teacher to teach.”  Pay attention, ask questions, answer questions, be in the moment. These are simple, sure fired ways of maximising your outcomes and realising your potential.  When students choose to misbehave and draw negative attention to themselves, they are taking away the opportunity for everyone else in the class to learn.  They might think they’re funny and perhaps a few of their friends, who should know better will too, but I guarantee that the rest of the class just wants disruptive students to behave and engage, so that they have the opportunity to learn.

Uniform

This is a wonderful school, steeped in tradition and is second in age only to Warwick High School in the district. A key aspect of our College is our uniform, which is beautiful I must say, and says so much about our College.  It is a formal uniform, considered business attire, and it represents who we are.  As such, it must be worn correctly and with pride.  The word uniform means sameness, and our uniform is what unites us.  We all wear the College crest on our uniform to signify that we are one, a team, and it also signifies that as a team we work together.  As team members, we also have individual responsibilities to our team.  Along with the clothing expectations, there are others around jewellery, hair ribbons, makeup, haircuts and my biggest annoyance – headphones phones and airpods.  Unfortunately, one of the greatest scourges on society are adolescents and their airpods.  In wearing them, they choose to remove themselves from the wonders of the world around them, to anti-socially withdraw into their own world.  This might be appropriate when going for a run or working quietly, but not at school.  In fact, I’ve even heard that the greatest compliment a teenager can pay you, is it to take out an airpod to interact with you. If they take out both, it’s amazing to say the least.  Headphones or airpods will only be allowed at school following an invitation from your teacher. At no stage are they to be worn around the school.  Our school is such a vibrant mix of personalities, activities and wonder.  Be in the moment, contribute to the vibe and enjoy the ride.

 

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Are your details up to date?

Thank you to all families who have taken the time to update their contact details over the last week.  If you haven’t yet had time …

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Are your details up to date?

Thank you to all families who have taken the time to update their contact details over the last week.  If you haven’t yet had time to do this, please click the link and complete the form.

Update your details

It is important for us to be able to communicate with all families in an accurate and efficient way.

Thank you for your support!

From Girls Boarding featured image

From Girls Boarding

Mrs Susan Everson | Head of Girls Boarding Welcome to Week 2… and WOW what a busy time we have had!  I am pleased to …

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From Girls Boarding

Mrs Susan Everson | Head of Girls Boarding

Welcome to Week 2… and WOW what a busy time we have had!  I am pleased to share that all 54 of our girls have settled into their rooms beautifully and are now busy adapting to formal schooling, co-curricular activities and boarding life.  Our house has been a busy place with everyone getting to know one another and learning the new routines for 2021.  It has been lovely to witness our girls form relationships and support one another so readily.

Our girls and boys in residence enjoyed an evening at the movies last Saturday which was followed up on Sunday with lots of fun around the pool.  The first weekend in boarding was relatively low key and allowed the girls to relax and prepare for the busy week we have just had.

The Senior Inter-Clan swimming carnival was held on Wednesday.  It was great to see our boarding girls so competitive in the pool!  Results have not yet been announced, so we are eagerly awaiting next week’s Assembly to hear the outcome.  We have some fantastic swimmers in our midst!  Some of our girls have been selected to trial at the Border District Swimming Carnival next week.

Saturday will see another busy day for our boarders who are taking part in local cricket, while others are visiting the Allora Show as part of the Cattle and Sheep Club – best of luck to all of you!   The rest of the boarding house will enjoy a quiet weekend as we recover from our busy week.  All girls have been shown how to use REACH by Mr Bailey and hopefully next week parents and guardians will have their login details also.

Thank you to all our families, staff and friends for making my first official week in Girls Boarding so great – I have felt very loved and supported.

 

From Hawkins House featured image

From Hawkins House

Mr David Marriott | Head of Senior Boys’ Boarding As the new Head of Senior Boys Boarding at SCOTS PGC College, I am very pleased …

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From Hawkins House

Mr David Marriott | Head of Senior Boys’ Boarding

As the new Head of Senior Boys Boarding at SCOTS PGC College, I am very pleased to report that we have 37 boys in Years 9-12 who have settled into Hawkins House and are ready for the thrills and challenges of 2021.

The Travel Day arrangements went very well last week in all respects. Thank you especially to all those parents and staff who contributed to a very smooth process for the new and returning boys. It was great for me to meet so many parents at Hawkins House and later at the Meet and Greet function. I look forward to working with you and your son throughout the year.

As we shared our initial dinner together with the Junior Boy Boarding students, my first impression is that our Senior Boys are a great group of young men; spirited, and with plenty to offer. I genuinely look forward to helping them reach their potential within our strong boarding community.

Sunday evening was a real highlight with the boys presenting very well for the Boarder Chapel Service and the formal dinner with the ladies from Girls Boarding.

Now that school has begun and routines are being formed, the boys are also building positive friendships, smiling regularly, and working well.  These characteristics will be great stepping stones for the year ahead with our College values of Spirit, Tenacity, Authenticity, Excellence and Respect being at the forefront of all we do together in Senior Boys Boarding.

 

From Cunningham House featured image

From Cunningham House

Mr Stewart Bailey | Head of Junior Boys’ Boarding Here we are again… the beginning of another school year!  I hope that despite the summer …

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From Cunningham House

Mr Stewart Bailey | Head of Junior Boys’ Boarding

Here we are again… the beginning of another school year!  I hope that despite the summer heat you all enjoyed time with your beloved sons. I have had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday, but as usual I am always keen for the boys’ return to school – the Junior Boys’ dorms are too quiet during the holidays!

This year we welcomed 18 boys to the dorm, the majority of whom, are brand new to SCOTS PGC.  Ben is our youngest boarder and hails from Tambo.  He, along with all of our other new recruits are being well looked after by our older boys and the wider SCOTS PGC community.

The first term is always a time of adjustment; making new friendships alongside old ones, learning to adapt to the boarding and school routine as well as enjoying some down time on weekends and balancing it with sporting commitments.  So far, our Junior boys are coping well and are eager to be involved in various activities across the campus.

We are in for a busy term ahead and I am really looking forward to working closely alongside your sons to ensure they are well supported and make the most of the wide range of opportunities our College provides.