In this issue

Niamh Fender | Prefect

Introducing the MADD Concert

To remain flexible in these uncertain times (aka COVID-19, the dirty dog), we have decided not to engage in a secondary musical this year. However, there’s no need for tears as we will be holding a series of concerts that showcase the amazing range of talent found within the school. Currently loosely called the ‘MADD’ concert, this event will enable a range of musicians, artists, dramatists, and dancers to display their amazing skills and talents. Our amazing, gifted senior students Hannah Myer and Mia Benson consider this ‘an exciting opportunity for many students in our school to showcase the skills that often get overlooked’. While both ‘are disappointed about missing musical’ they are ‘excited for the chance to get to engage on stage in a variety of different performances. From singing a solo, to acting in a shared drama production, and possibly a few jazz hands and funky dance moves in between, it’ll be a show to see’. At this stage, the concerts will be held on campus to ensure that we are able to work within any occupancy regulations which may be implemented.

Any questions regarding this event may be directed to either Miss Woodbine or Mr Alley.  Stay tuned to SCOTS Connect for further updates.

From Boys’ Boarding

Mr David Marriott | Head of Senior Boys’ Boarding

There is a real sense of belonging in both Senior Boys’ and Junior Boys’ Boarding as we approach the end of Week 6. The boys have certainly realised the need to start the year well and create good habits and study routines. In particular, it’s great to see the boys of all year levels interacting and sharing fun experiences together that have them smiling regularly.

I have been particularly impressed by our Senior boys in their welcoming manner and ‘lead by example’ approach. This is reflected in their regular, passionate performances in leading all boys in the SCOTS Boys War Cry, prior to dinner most nights. Further, the positive way in which our Year 8 and 9 boys have embraced and befriended the new year 7 boys has also been excellent. Mr Bailey (Head of Junior Boys Boarding) and Mr Wilson have also noted this influence on the Junior Boys Boarders as they continue to settle into boarding life at SCOTS. The values of respect and spirit are certainly showing through in Boys Boarding, and well may that continue.

The boys are also very pleased to now have new equipment across both houses, including three new push bikes, a table tennis table, two big screen TV’s (and one more on the way) and a soon to be installed NBA style basketball backboard. In addition, it was great for staff to see that several of these items (namely the push bikes) were actually constructed by the boys, in groups, working together; another great sign of teamwork and tenacity. Thanks to all involved.

Going forward, keep an eye out in future Newsletters for some ‘Boarder profiles’, a great way for the SCOTS PGC community to get to know more about our boys in boarding.

Mr Tom Bradbury | Acting Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Arranmore after school Activities

These developmental activities are organised for our students in Years 1 – 6. Term 1 activities are currently at capacity and I advise parents to look out for the Term 2 Microsoft Forms Sign Up, which is coming your way in the next week. With increasing numbers across the College, these activities will fill fast.

I also ask parents to be very careful when completing these activities for your child. We have had several situations of unregistered students just showing up for activities without our prior knowledge. Please note we must be able to account for the whereabouts of all students at all times including after school activities.

Rock Bands are back!

Our rock bands are back hard at it learning new songs and perfecting old ones. Mr Alley and Mr Keevers are hard task masters but all members are keen to learn and improve. After last year’s improvements in stage presence who knows what they might dish up in 2022. New interest is welcomed as we look to further expand the types of bands we might offer in the future. Contact Mr Colin Alley at colin.alley@scotspgc.com.au for enquiries and expressions of interest in the bands.

Craft Club

Week 2 of Craft club saw our Years 1 – 6 participants being crafty with crepe paper pictures and painting pots. The group is a sizeable one and Mrs Maraun and Ms Krause have developed a fun developmental craft program for all the ages involved. The group is full for Term 1 so please look out for the Term 2 registration process in the coming week.

STEM Club

Our STEM Club members are investigating several scientific problems as part of a National competition. Creating crystals and investigating electrical circuits were just part of the investigations being undertaken by our young scientists.

Girls and Boys Futsal

Last week saw our Senior Girls and Boys both have significant wins whilst our U16 Teams were both competitive along with our U14 Teams. The U12 Boys continued on their winning way despite missing some of the usual players. The U12 Girls are all very new to the sport and are on a steep learning curve but are having lots of fun in the process. Competition continues this Thursday afternoon in Toowoomba with teams departing at 2.30pm each week.

Futsal Coaching Clinic

This is a final call for players interested in our Clinic on Saturday 12 March. Please see details on the flyer below to register your interest if you have not already done so.

QCIS Swimming – Wednesday 9 March

The QCIS Swimming is fast approaching and as we have not had the opportunity to select our team from Carnival results it will be selected from last year’s team with new students able to use times from our selection trials for district events earlier this Term for consideration. We feel this is the easiest and fairest way in 2022 to get a team nominated for this event on Wednesday 9 March in Dalby.

Boys Teenage Rugby

Games were set to commence last Friday 25 February in Dalby for our U13 and U15 Teams but the weather was against us. This week the boys face USQ in Warwick. Come on down and see the lads in action as we commence our 2022 Teenage Club competition in conjunction with the Warwick Water Rats.

Girls Teenage Rugby 7s

This is currently under consideration pending numbers and successful competitions in which we can compete. Downs Rugby have been changing the competition structure which may not be beneficial for our girls. Watch this space.

Equestrian News

Campdrafting

In what appears to be a first in Australian Schools, our Equestrian Centre continues to expand upon their operations, delving into the world of Campdrafting. Last year saw a SCOTS event attract a large number of entries and this year looks to be even better. Stay tuned for all that is coming our way in this area of Equestrian events. For information regarding any of the Equestrian activities please contact Mrs Cheryl Paganin at cheryl.paganin@scotspgc.com.au

Darling Downs Swimming Qualifiers

Following the Southern Downs Swimming Trials seven students were selected in the Southern Downs 10-12 year’s team to contest the Darling Downs Swimming trials.

We congratulate Ella Hutchison, Archie Holden, Hannah Bourke, Chloe Harm, Colby Miller, Oliver Miller and Natalie Mulcahy on attaining their qualifying standards and wish them well in their endeavours at the Darling Downs Trials now rescheduled to Monday 7 March  in Gatton.

Before these juniors attend their regional trials our 13-19 years qualifiers will attend their regional trial  We congratulate Ellyse Kruger, Bailey Harm, Nicholas McGahan, River Taylor, Bridie Hutchison, and Claire Eckersley on attaining these very tough qualifying standards and wish them well in their endeavours at the trials on Wednesday 2 March at Milne Bay Pool in Toowoomba.

We wish all students the very best for their trials.

Cricket

In the past weeks, the First XI and the U14 XI travelled to Downlands College for an afternoon of T20 Cricket on the turf wickets of Downlands College. Both matches were played in fantastic spirit and were both very competitive . The First XI lost narrowly with the final scores as follows…

SCOTS – 4 for 112 (off 20 overs)

Downlands 8 for 113 (off 19.5 oves)

Percy Kruger (27) opened for the visitors and looked really comfortable in the No.1 spot. He was ably supported with a 27 from Ryan Bohm and 25 from Jack Ragh in a solid batting display. Lachlan Woods was the best of the bowlers with 4 for 13 off his 4 overs. Dan Hughes bagged 2 for 21, and Phoebe Bryant and Jack Ragh took one a piece in what was a solid bowling display that fell oh so sort of taking the match from the home side.

In the U14 match, Rory Farrell top scored for SCOTS with 28 of the 78 runs scored by our team, with Ben March’s opening 17 being the next best. Unfortunately, our 6 for 78 was not quite enough with the Downlands Development U15 team taking the cookies in the 18^th over, finishing with 5 for 79. The best of our bowling came through Tanner Henley with his handy 3 for 21 off 4 overs, and a young Daniel Kuhn with 2 for 7 off his 3 overs.

The teams are scheduled for further Wednesday Interschool matches against Warwick SHS (First XI), St Joseph’s Stanthorpe (U14) and Assumption College (First XI) pending the weather situation over the coming weeks. Downlands are also looking for a rematch on Saturday 12 March here at SCOTS with a 50 over match scheduled for Briggs Oval. Please come down and support the team in this epic match.

Saturday fixtures continue and if you wish to play please contact Mr Cahal Davis for details – cahal.davis@scotspgc.com.au

Southern Downs Basketball Trials

Southern Downs Basketball saw Treshawne Achari, Oliver Miller, Ben March and Will Grayson selected to attend the Darling Downs Trials later this term. Treshawne was one of the first selected. Although a youngster in this 10-12 years group he showed silky skills all over the court. Oliver Miller also stood out as a solid ball carrier and consistent shooter. Ben March grew with every possession which earned him his spot and Will Grayson could not trial due to illness but has progressed on special recommendations. We wish all students the very best at this trial.

Border District Winter Trials

Last Thursday we had several students out and about trialling for Border District Trials to hopefully be selected and then contest the Darling Downs Trials later this Term. The following students were successful in making their respective teams.

Rugby League – U15 Murphy Benson, George Handley, Nelson Madua, and Ryan Bohm

Basketball – U15 : Briana Groves, Phoebe Bryant, Sarah Morris, Martina Marshall and Lachlan Groves and Open : Erin Keogh

Netball – Open: Bridget Hardy

Football – U15: Claire Eckersley, Amira Duffy, and Open: Mika Repo

Term 2 Sports – Expressions of Interest

Please see notices for Expressions of interest for Basketball and Hockey for our Year 7-12 students. Hockey players are to send their EOI’s to Mr Bradbury and Basketballers to Mrs Michelle Brown at – michelle.brown@scotspgc.com.au 

Darling Downs Trial Success

Cricket:

As mentioned in late correspondence in our previous newsletter Jack Ragh and Percy Kruger were successful in claiming a spot in the Darling Downs U19 Cricket Team to contest the State Championships at the end of this Term. We wish both boys all the best after making this team. A team that produced Queensland and Australian players in the past the likes of Andrew Bichel and Greg Ritchie just to name a few. Good luck boys!

 Touch:

It is rare that Border District have success at the Darling Downs trials in Touch but last week I am excited to say that Nelson MAdua was named shadow for the Darling Downs U15 Boys Touch team after his outstanding performance at the trial. Nelson showed excellent skills and speed and although currently named a shadow there is every chance that he will be named in the final squad to attend the State Championships later this year. Congratulations Nelson and we will wait in anticipation of your final selection with fingers crossed.

Waterpolo:

Last week Bailey Harm extended his success in aquatic endeavours with successful selection at the Darling Downs 13-19 years Waterpolo Trials held in Toowoomba. Bailey will now represent the Darling Downs at the State Championships later this year.

Postponed Inter-Clan Swimming Carnivals

Save the date for the College Swimming Carnivals that have been rescheduled to the following dates. Please note these have been reversed after clashes were noted. This is the final dates for our carnival.

• Monday 14 March – Junior and Middle School Inter-Clan Swimming Carnival
• Tuesday 15 March – Senior School Inter-Clan Swimming Carnival

Upcoming Trials

Please see below events in which we have students attending

• Southern Downs Touch 10-12 years – March 3
• Darling Downs Sports including…
  • 13-18 years Rugby League, Netball – March 8
  • 13-19 years Football, Basketball and Hockey – March 17
  • 10-19 years Orienteering – March 8
• Saturday Cricket Fixtures
• Thursday Futsal Fixtures
• Friday Boys Rugby Fixtures
• College Inter-Clan Cross Country – March 30 (weather permitting)

Shining the spotlight on Humanities…

Mr Michael Keevers | Head of Faculty

One of the most enjoyable things as a Head of Faculty, is to be able to go into classrooms and observe the teaching and learning going in our Faculty. On any given day students are learning both content and skills across a vast array of topics, allowing the students to make connections with the world of the past, the present and the future. For example, this week Year 10 Humanities students were examining the factors leading up to The Holocaust during World War Two, whilst Year 6 were undertaking an examination of the three levels of government that operate in Australia. Year 12 Modern History spent a number of lessons comparing the situation in Ukraine with the legacy of the Cold War, whilst Years 9 and 10 Business looked at the foundations of a successful business. Year 12 Geography studied the challenges of rising sea levels in South Asia, while Year 7 Humanities researched Ancient Rome. This breadth of learning is fostered and reinforced across the Faculty.

The foundation of this learning is grounded on our staff, and I am pleased to welcome the following teachers to our Faculty. Mrs Suzanne Krause who joined us at the end of last year, and teaches both Year 9 and 10 Humanities and Civics. Mr Drew Stewart also has joined the Faculty, again teaching Year 9 and 10 Humanities. Finally, we welcome Mrs Leanne Francis who is working with our Year 7 and 8 classes.

The diversity of the curriculum combined with the efforts of our dedicated staff, exposes our students to a broad based liberal body of knowledge, culminating in an engaging learning environment. This combined with all the College has to offer, provides our students with an excellent school.

Careers Testing now complete!

Mrs Melissa Bellingham | VET Coordinator

Year 10 SET Planning is well under way with the students well into the Self-Discovery Phase of the process, where they identify their strengths and weakness and what goals they have already developed. In the coming weeks they will move onto the Investigative Phase where they learn more about their options by exploring jobs, education pathways, and subject offerings in Years 11 and 12. Students learn how to choose the subjects/courses which best fit in with their abilities and goals.

An important part of the Self-Discovery Phase is the Career Profile Testing. This has taken place over the past 2 weeks, where the entire Year 10 cohort have completed a series of career profiling tests with Dr Marian Kratzing from Career Avenues. Whilst it was exhausting for the students, the outcome of the tests will provide each individual with a fairly accurate picture of who they are as a person as far as their personality type goes, along with a number of industry areas and career options which would best suit them in the future. Please be aware that the career options suggested in the report are just that, suggestions, and are there to invite further investigation.

Following the assessment session, the results will be scored and analysed and then Dr Kratzing will write individual reports for each students 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 on Friday 11 March 2022.

Mr Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School

Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.  

American novelist Ralph Waldo Ellison provided the discussion thread for the last two weeks of pastoral care lessons for both Years 9 and 0.  Our theme of “Hunting the Good Stuff” this term has centred on both social and emotional intelligence and the importance of good relationships with each other, based upon mutual respect.  We have pushed heavily the ideal that positive relationships are the cornerstone of increased personal growth and fulfilment.  

Professor Martin Seligman’s PERMA model provided insightful discussion around the important role that positive relationships play in our daily lives.  Seligman’s acronym states that Positive emotions come from being Engaged in daily tasks which then leads to the establishment of positive Relationships.  These relationships then instil Meaning and purpose to the tasks being tackled.  Once we find meaning in what we are doing, we Achieve and this results in us feeling good about ourselves.   

At the College, our focus is a little different.  By rearranging PERMA to REMAP, our focus shifts but results in improved positive outcomes.  We believe that the establishment of positive Relationships provides our learners with Engagement in what they are doing.  Once engaged in their tasks, our learners find Meaning and purpose in everything they do, which leads them to try their best and Achieve.  Through their achievements, they experience Positive emotions and feel accomplishment and satisfaction.   

Another discussion topic has focused on Positive Psychology again examining the works of Martin Seligman and Daniel Goleman.  The students have all undertaken a survey through the VIA Institute on Character to gain a deeper understanding of their character strengths, and importantly, identify areas where they aren’t as strong.  Tutor staff also undertook the survey and shared their results, much to the delight of their tutees.  I would ask parents and carers of students in Years 9&10 to discuss their child’s results with them.  Our Term focus on positive relationships and positive psychology will continue to provide opportunities to share both as a lager group and in respective tutor groups.  We will continue to “Hunt the Good Stuff” throughout the term. 

Celebrating ‘ The Arts’ in JAM

Mrs Amanda Hall | Deputy Head of Junior and Middle Schools

At SCOTS PGC, we embrace the opportunity to encourage students to learn through the lenses of self, community and the wider world. The curriculum are of The Arts is often celebrated for its power to encourage joyful, active learning and help students make and express personal connections.  

The College community welcomed Mrs Nikki Malone and Mrs Julie Maraun into the role of Visual Arts teachers, at the beginning of 2022, working across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.  

In the Junior School, Mrs Malone works closely with students from Prep to Year 5. A renowned and celebrated artist, Mrs Malone brings her passion and experience to the classroom; inspiring and allowing space for our youngest students to explore their creativity. This semester, students are working with a variety of mediums in the newly created studio in the Kingswood building. Students are working collaboratively to complete projects to explore creativity and building their confidence as artists. In the coming weeks we are hoping to embrace opportunities to display artworks at school and in the wider community.  

Mrs Maraun’s energy and dedication to the curriculum area of Visual Arts is evident from the moment students enter the Art Studio, located in the Senior School. Students in Year 6 and Year 7 have begun their Visual Arts journey over the past few weeks as they make, respond, and explore meaning through different visual representations.  

Our Year 8 students will explore the Visual Arts in Semester 2. Throughout this semester, Year 8 Music students are currently using specialist software to let them create and listen to their own original compositions. This entails creating their own unique rhythmic ideas, which can then be turned into a melody by using the pentatonic scale. Year 8 Drama students are currently working on script writing, learning about the techniques used to communicate their ideas to their ideas to an audience. While learning about the layout of scripts, the students are also learning how to introduce expression and movement into their work.