In this issue
Angles, Emotional Banking, and the Absolute Truth
Mr Kyle Thompson| Principal Every year for the past 30 years, I have continued to reflect on working with the students in the school where I am and what this means for staff and parents. What are the unique challenges, characteristics and strategies for forming relationships and fostering the education …
Angles, Emotional Banking, and the Absolute Truth
Mr Kyle Thompson| Principal
Every year for the past 30 years, I have continued to reflect on working with the students in the school where I am and what this means for staff and parents. What are the unique challenges, characteristics and strategies for forming relationships and fostering the education of young people?
As a parent and an educator, there are many inter-changeable strategies. We are constantly dealing with issues of both a positive and negative nature.
I constantly ask myself how do I effectively address issues without damaging the relationships with students, and indeed sometimes, parents.
I have a philosophy with students and colleagues of trying to build an emotional bank account. If I can possibly help someone or if I have the opportunity to recognise some good work or great achievement, I do. I like to think of this as making a positive deposit into a student’s or colleague’s emotional bank account. Having made these ‘investments’ I am more easily able to address issues knowing I have ‘money in the bank.’ This philosophy applies equally to family, friends, students and in the workplace.
So, when dealing with students what are some of the strategies when addressing issues openly and honestly?
Walk and Talk – particularly helpful with boys but often with adolescents in general. We are often more likely to communicate when moving. Kicking a footy, throwing a ball, combining in an activity tends to open up a more natural form of communication. At school, a walk to our cattle yards or Equestrian Centre can invoke great conversation. ‘Stuff’ just comes out of our mouths when we are doing things!
Angles are important and not just in maths – We all have this innate reaction of fight or flight. Standing directly in front of a child when addressing an issue is inherently confrontational. The reaction evoked will often be ‘fight back’ or withdraw completely from this situation. Standing side by side at 90 degrees or at 45 degrees allows the issue to metaphorically be placed in front of both parties, not between them. This again influences the tone and openness of the conversation.
Perfection is a journey – we shouldn’t expect our kids to be perfect (nor our staff or parents). We should expect them to take responsibility.
It’s our job – (as adults) to ensure we maintain, repair and form appropriate relationships with our children. Adolescents and kids of all ages do not have the maturity or skill set to do this when facing difficult situations. This they learn from their elders.
As I reflect on growing up I remember that as a young man I always told the absolute truth, never omitted anything and only gave a completely unbiased and accurate version of any negative event or learning experience I was part of……..mostly……especially when there was the possibility of being in trouble……or then again, maybe not. Our kids react the same way at times. Our kids have well developed self-protect buttons, often pressed after they’ve used their self-destruct ones. I reflect that these buttons sometimes stay with us for life!
In reality, an important part of growing up and learning was understanding true accountability and taking responsibility for actions. Parents and the College, when working in partnership on these characteristics, form the most powerful foundation for the development of children into great people.
SCOTS PGC Supports Jumpers and Jazz
On Wednesday, June 16, four of our students served as hospitality volunteers for the launch of Jumpers and Jazz in July. Natasha Paganin, Sam Harvey, …
SCOTS PGC Supports Jumpers and Jazz
On Wednesday, June 16, four of our students served as hospitality volunteers for the launch of Jumpers and Jazz in July. Natasha Paganin, Sam Harvey, Oliva Lack and Grace McIlroy served wine, cheese and hot food to the event organisers and sponsors involved in the Jumpers and Jazz Program. They worked alongside other volunteers to make the night a memorable event, representing the College well.
Pumpkins for Sale
The College has pumpkins for sale at Reception. $3 for ripe $1 for slightly green
Pumpkins for Sale
The College has pumpkins for sale at Reception.
$3 for ripe
$1 for slightly green
Wrap up from Senior & Junior Boys Boarding
Mr David Marriott | Head of Senior Boys Boarding As Semester 1 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate …
Wrap up from Senior & Junior Boys Boarding
Mr David Marriott | Head of Senior Boys Boarding
As Semester 1 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all our Senior and Junior boy boarders, particularly for their efforts over the past three weeks. In amongst some excellent social events, like the Toowoomba Trip (shopping and ten pin bowling) and the State of Origin match (including pizza and soft drinks), the boys have continued to forge friendships across all year levels, something essential to time spent in boarding. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the boys have also had some changes within their boarding houses and had higher expectations placed upon them as a result. Overwhelmingly, the boys have risen to these challenges and displayed the spirit, respect and tenacity of a SCOTS PGC boarding student.
Importantly, I would also like to thank all our boarding parents for the support you have shown your sons during their time in boarding this year. Having your children live away from you is difficult for all families, yet the life skills and independence the boys develop make it worthwhile.
Finally, to all the boarding staff involved with Senior and Junior boys boarding, a huge vote of thanks. You are making a positive difference in the lives of these young men.
May you all enjoy some time together with family and friends over the coming vacation.
See you in Term 3.
Term 3 ….
A reminder that Travel Day for returning boarders in Term 3 is Monday 12 July, with boarding houses open from 1.00pm onwards. School recommences on Tuesday 13 July.
Co-curricular News
Senior Athletics Championships Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities This week our annual Senior Athletics Carnival was held in excellent conditions on …
Co-curricular News
Senior Athletics Championships
Mr Tom Bradbury | Assistant Director of Co-curricular Activities
This week our annual Senior Athletics Carnival was held in excellent conditions on Briggs and Dunning Ovals. Over 210 students contested the five age divisions across the six field events and seven different track events in a very comprehensive program. We congratulate all students on their participation and results. We particularly congratulate our award winners below on their massive performances across the two days.
| GIRLS | ||||
| P.F.A Cup – 13 years champion | 1st | Elliza Moore-Kirkland | Mackay | 118 |
| 2nd | Sarah Morris | Mackay | 96 | |
| P.F.A Cup – 14 years champion | 1st | Phoebe Sellick | Leslie | 120 |
| 2nd | Ashleigh Jamieson | Leslie | 78 | |
| H.M. Green Cup – 15 years champion | 1st | Jessica Angus | Macinnes | 108 |
| 2nd | Alyxis McDonald | Leslie | 74 | |
| Phillipa Filmer Trophy – 16 years champion | 1st | Makybe Edwards | Leslie | 93 |
| 2nd | Kaysan Miles | Macinnes | 91 | |
| Fletcher Trophy – 17 years & over champion | 1st | Shona McFarland | Leslie | 94 |
| 2nd | Chloe Wainwright | Cameron | 80 | |
| Cruikshank Trophy – Open Girls 1500m | Shona McFarland | Leslie | ||
| Dorothy Hamilton Trophy – Senior Girls – Sprint Champion | Chloe Wainwright | Cameron | ||
| Gail Imhoff Trophy – Senior Girls – Field Events Champion | Chloe Wainwright | Cameron | ||
| Mutch Trophy – Champion Girl Clan | 1st | LESLIE | 927 | |
| 2nd | MACKAY | 686 | ||
| 3rd | CAMERON | 653 | ||
| 4th | MACINNES | 502 | ||
| Boys | ||||
| Douglas Trophy – 13 years champion | 1st | Bailey Harm | Macinnes | 106 |
| 2nd | Tanner Henley | Macinnes | 94 | |
| R.C Esther Cup – 14 years champion | 1st | Riley Wainwright | Cameron | 86 |
| 2nd | Alec Blunden | Mackay | 81 | |
| Harold Marlton Cup – 15 years champion | 1st | Samuel Wainwright | Cameron | 118 |
| 2nd | Benjamin Carey | Cameron | 108 | |
| Pacholke Cup – 16 years champion | 1st | Daniel Hughes | Leslie | 72 |
| 2nd | River Taylor | Mackay | 52 | |
| Dr. Blackburn Cup – 17 years & over champion | 1st | William Gilmore | Leslie | 94 |
| 2nd | Mackenzie Mayall | Cameron | 81 | |
| Phil Doyle Trophy – Open Boys 1500m | Ewan McFarland | Leslie | ||
| Godfrey Watson Memorial Trophy – Senior Boys | Ewan McFarland | Leslie | ||
| Crombie Trophy – Senior Boys Sprint Champion | Geoffrey Warren | Macinnes | ||
| Bruce Pyke Trophy | Cooper Seng | Mackay | ||
| Scott Rundle Cup | 1st | CAMERON | 913 | |
| 2nd | LESLIE | 662 | ||
| 3rd | MACKAY | 637 | ||
| 4th | MACINNES | 630 | ||
| Boys & Girls | ||||
| Kay Reardon Trophy | 1st | CAMERON | 26 | |
| – Interclan Relays | 2nd | LESLIE | 22 | |
| 3rd | MACKAY | 16 | ||
| 4th | MACINNES | 10 | ||
| Rosemary Grieve Cup | 1st | CAMERON | 959 | |
| – Interclan Field Events | 2nd | LESLIE | 809 | |
| 3rd | MACKAY | 728 | ||
| 4th | MACINNES | 630 | ||
| Staff Shield – Interclan Aggregate | 1st | LESLIE | 1589 | |
| 2nd | CAMERON | 1566 | ||
| 3rd | MACKAY | 1323 | ||
| 4th | MACINNES | 1132 | ||
Following this Championship, the College Team will be selected for the upcoming Border District, Warwick All Schools, QCIS and Darling Downs Championships to be held in Term 3. Information regarding the Team will be forwarded over the latter part of the school holidays and training will be available from the beginning of Term 3, on Monday Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, with Mr Bradbury, Mr Davis and Miss Carey.
Senior Netball Results
After a slow start in the first quarter with no goals scored for the Open team, the girls rallied for a much stronger performance for the rest of the game, although they were unable to catch the more experienced A Grade Aftershocks team. The final score of 53 v 29 was not indicative of the effort from the girls which was most admirable.
Junior Netball Results
We beat the Funky Monkeys, 27 to 20 and we just had enough players! Jekeira Major’s shooting was spot on and Lizzie Caton and Summer Jacks played out of their skins in a very professional display. Makybe Edwards does not know what it means to slow down, and she intercepted one ball after another to keep us in the game. The twins, Laney and Keely Thompson played an amazing game, with Laney making several turn overs during the course of the game.
Senior Hockey Fixture Results
In the final round before the holidays, the SCOTS TEAM finished the Term undefeated with its biggest win of the term defeating the Black Team 10 – 2 in an impressive display. Tanner Henley demonstrated great composure at the back and when called upon into a more attacking role he appeared equally as comfortable. Lachlan Nolan is developing very well and used the transfer much better than previously. Krystal Petersen returned to the pitch after an extended injury with several good touches at the inner position. Sam Bourke, Nick McGahan and Ewan McFarland were solid across the midfield. Millie Groves is firming as a potential striker after a double early in the second half after spending the first half at the back.
Upcoming Events
- Junior Athletics Carnival (postponed) (5-12yrs)– Week 2 – Wednesday 21st July Period 5-6 and Thursday 22nd July all day including the Junior School Colour Run
- Term 3 Arranmore Activities commencing Week 3 – Monday – Cricket, Tuesday – Basketball, Wednesday – Golf
Equestrian Update
Mrs Cheryl Paganin | Equestrian Co-ordinator Congratulations to all riders who competed at the Sustainable & Warwick Horse Trials One Day Event last weekend. Results …
Equestrian Update
Mrs Cheryl Paganin | Equestrian Co-ordinator
Congratulations to all riders who competed at the Sustainable & Warwick Horse Trials One Day Event last weekend. Results reported in were as follows:
Felicity Sellick 11th in the 95 cm
Jess Angus 2nd in the 80 cm
Gabby Sellick 4th in the 80 cm
Lucy Jackson-Sharpe 13th in the 80 cm
April Davies 16th in the 80 cm
Hanaka Parker 12th in the 60 cm
Pheobe Sellick 25th in the 60 cm and
Jess Angus was awarded the Most Successful Local Rider, congratulations!
Best of luck to our Interschool Team heading up the Maryborough for the QLD Interschool State Championships for Showjumping, Dressage and Show Horse over the holidays. It will be a week of great fun, personal challenges and comradery, but I know our team will do us proud. Good luck to everyone competing and have an enjoyable holiday with family. See you next term.
Dates to Remember: THE SCOTS PGC HIGHSCHOOL CAMPDRAFT, 31st July – 1st August 2021, to be held at the Warwick Showgrounds!
Careers Pathway Evening – Monday 12 July
Save the Date | Careers Pathway Evening Years 10-12 (flyer attached) 12 July 2021 | Term 3 Travel Day 6.00pm – 8.00pm SCOTS PGC Assembly …
Careers Pathway Evening – Monday 12 July
Save the Date | Careers Pathway Evening Years 10-12 (flyer attached)
12 July 2021 | Term 3 Travel Day
6.00pm – 8.00pm
SCOTS PGC Assembly Hall
+ Wine and Cheese
The College is hosting an evening for our Year 10 to Year 12 students and their parents to hear first hand about a range of career pathways and the different ways they can reach these goals!
We are seeking expressions of interest from any past students, parents or members of our community who would be willing to be a guest speaker on the night.
Please contact Richard Dobrenov if this is something you may be interested in speaking at and/or attending with your child.
Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal & Head of Senior School
Email – Richard.Dobrenov@scotspgc.com.au
Phone – 07 4666 9839
