In this issue

Alexis Zerner & Emma Bradbury | 2023 College Prefects

As we say our final goodbyes to the departing Class of 2022, we welcome the incoming senior Class of 2023. Our cohort is incredibly excited to begin our final year at the College, or as we also like to call it, ‘the beginning of the end’.

In the last few weeks, our 2023 Prefects were introduced to the College community. This group has many new and exciting plans for the College, which they cannot wait to share! Although many of these plans must remain ‘under wraps’ for now, the 2023 Prefects will be re-introducing ‘portfolios’ to SCOTS PGC College.

Seven portfolios will be in operation across 2023, hoping to engage like-minded individuals from a variety of year levels.

With the help of our 2023 Prefects, here are our portfolio plans for the new year:

Academic

The academic success of students is an essential part of any school. The academic portfolio intends to help the students at this college reach their full potential in all areas of study. It can be daunting to approach a teacher for help when you’re struggling, so we are planning on conducting study sessions during school hours filled with familiar faces to lend a helping hand. These sessions will be open to all students no matter their path for education (both ATAR and VET streams). I hope you’re all keen for another big year of learning, can’t wait to see your familiar faces and answer all of your questions.

-Will Auger

School Spirit

Here at the Spirit portfolio, we are aiming to bring back the spirit and pride for our school in 2023. How are we going to tackle this? Well, we are aiming to bring back the support of co-curricular activities. For example, over 2022 we have seen a decline in the support of netball and cricket games, as well as many others, our portfolio aims to change that! To help rejuventate our College spirit, we will need people who are keen and supportive from Years 5-12 to help us rally and support those competing in the name of SCOTS PGC College. We also aim to bring back the College war cries as we believe we can improve on the spirit that’s been shown in recent years. Also in correspondence with Clan Captains, we are re-introducing individual clan war cries to also bring more spirit back into Inter-Clan Days. We hope to see you soon!

-Abby Brown, Fraser Collins and Dan Hughes

Junior and Middle

The Junior and Middle portfolio strives to bridge the connection between Junior School, Middle School and Senior School. You may be wondering; how can this be achieved? With the help of two students from each year level from Years 8 to 12, these students will host weekly alternating activities between Middle and Junior to help build relationships within SCOTS PGC College. This will include, treasure hunts, reading, sports and many more activities. Hope to see you around the campus!

-Bryce Zerner, Sophie Poole and Percy Kruger 

Student Representative Council

The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a representative group designed to allow students to come forth and have a voice in the College community. The SRC is comprised of a student body containing two representatives from each year level from Years 6 to 12. Students are given the opportunity to express any issues, concerns, and/or opinions about any improvements/recommendations that they have for the College to their representatives from their year level. In addition to this, the SRC is inviting students from Year 5 to be a part of the council as ‘Junior School Representatives’. Meetings will be held once a fortnight in the Archive Centre. The SRC is a great opportunity for all students to show leadership and have a voice on behalf of their year level. Applications to be a part of the SRC will be out early next year. We hope to see you there!

-Bridget Hardy and Lachlan Naughten

Chapel

The Chapel Portfolio hopes to widen the interest, involvement and understanding of our College’s chapel sessions. Through our portfolio, we aim to engage students in chapel services and offer additional time to do bible readings or talk to Rev Nathan and like-minded individuals. We would also like for students to become more involved in the outline of chapel sessions and make inputs of the theme of the chapel session as well as the chapel songs and games. We are looking to bring in new and old faces to our chapel services. Can’t wait to see you next year!

-Jess Angus and Charlotte Kielly

Social Justice and Community Service

The Social Justice and Community Service portfolio strives towards benefiting SCOTS PGC and the wider Warwick community. Our portfolio will organise a variety of events, such as mowing lawns for residents in town, fundraising for charities or organising community clean-ups. We also aim to visit retirement homes throughout 2023, to meet and interact with the elderly. We cannot wait to see what 2023 holds for this portfolio! We hope to see you in 2023!

-Hamish Swift and Mitch Twidale

School Publications

The School Publications portfolio aims to introduce student work into the fortnightly newsletter, showcasing young talent in photography and writing (just like this very article!). This will be coordinated through fortnightly meetings with Year 8 to 12 students that would like to be a part of this opportunity. We hope to explore different aspects of our College in each newsletter, such as getting Co-Curricular Captains involved, columns for ‘teacher profiles’, community services reports, and of course, this will be a wonderful opportunity for the other portfolios to express their ideas for upcoming events. We hope to see you all in 2023, get ready for a fantastic year!

-Emma Bradbury and Lexie Zerner

Please do not hesitate to contact the Prefects if you have any questions! We would love your help next year and we are so thrilled to see what the future holds.

We hope you have an amazing Christmas break and cannot wait to see you again next year!

Reverend Nathan Barton | SCOTS PGC Chaplain

It is a time of much mixed emotion. As we celebrate the end of the school year and excitedly look forward to the fun and joy of the Christmas holidays, we find ourselves hit hard with the grief of the tragic passing of Will Turner. Our minds reel trying to make sense and words fail to wipe away the pain of this heart-breaking event.

Indeed, it is important to take time to stop and acknowledge our sorrow. However, we should be careful not to let our sorrow become despair. None of us needs to endure this time alone and great comfort and solace can be found in sharing our pain with those closest to us. I am in awe of how well our College community has rallied to care for and support one another.

Ultimately, we can find the peace that passes understanding when we turn to the one who stands with us even if all others fail us. Jesus is always with us, especially in times of great tragedy and he can deeply understand our pain. I find great comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah, speaking about the coming saviour:

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3–5 NIV)

Jesus knows our pain and in part, his purpose for coming to live among us was for us to know that we are not alone. May this Christmas season bring you peace wherever you are and if you need to reach out to someone in your grief, please do. Feel free to contact me if I can be a support in any way.

Grace and Peace be with you all…

-Rev Nathan 

Mr Tom Bradbury | Director of Co-Curricular Activities

SCOTS PGC Youth Campdraft Success

On the weekend of November 12 and 13, the SCOTS PGC Youth Draft finally took flight at the Allora Showgrounds.  Under sunny skies with a full program of Junior, Juvenile and Associate categories, it was well attended by some 123 riders and 171 horses from across 57 different communities throughout Queensland. Participants came from as far afield as Roma, Emerald, Charleville and even south to Tenterfield.

With a focus on learning experiences, in line with our College philosophy that all learning does not need to occur in the classroom, the draft was the culmination of a program of training days initiated by our dedicated committee of volunteers passionate about developing the sport.  At the end of the two-day affair the following student participants were awarded prizes in each category:

Junior Draft  (Judge – Errol Cooper)

1. Taylor Foster riding Sugar Ray
2. Curtis Gray riding Moore Kit Cats
3. Zane Renyard riding Renyards Topaz
4. Ella Smart riding Respectable
5. Matilda Bostock riding Brigalow
6. Cruz Hamilton riding Bellfield Whitney

CUTOUT Winner – Curtis Gray riding Moore Kit Cats

Juvenile Draft (Judge – Glenn Evans)

1. Jill Radke riding Confused
2. Eve Radke riding Tailorama
3. Mia Bischoff riding Scrubash Youralla, Evening Acres
4. Jackson Bateman riding Cues Last Spin
5. Abbie-Jane Lord riding Croziers Conflict
6. Pyper Reedman riding Cheyanne
7. William Kelly riding Karoolas Bonnie
8. Cooper Lewis riding Charlie
9. == William Prentice riding Fletch
10. == Phoebe Wild riding Peelvale Smart Dually

CUTOUT Winner – William Prentice riding Roxette

Associate  Draft (Judge – Darryl Hayward)

1. Rylee Turner riding Turners Stud Reward
2. Aleta Bellingham riding Scooby
3. Ala Frankcom riding Rosebrook Kitty
4. Rylee Turner riding Condalilly
5. Harrison Kelly riding Melody
6. Ala Frankcom riding Smith Family Gypsy Cat
7. Kirrilly Roche riding Prince
8. Taylor Heit riding Dreams Girl
9. Taylor Heit riding Sherri
10. Maguire Casey riding Condamine Undecided

CUTOUT Winner – Rylee Turner riding Condalilly.

We congratulate all our participants and award winners and look forward to welcoming them back in 2023.

An event of such magnitude does not just happen overnight, and many people have contributed to the success of the weekend.  I particularly thank our Organising Committee for their tireless work in making the training days and the final draft happen. Their passion for this activity was the driving force behind the concept, and without them, as with any of our major activities, we would not be able to do it.

At the risk of missing someone, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people below from our school community and the wider Warwick community for their valuable contributions to our event and be assured your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Organising Committee: Adam & Jodie Worboys, Kal Bruyn, Cheryl Paganin

Canteen Operations: Sky Thompson and family (Marg, Sergie, Shya & Alacuchy)

Community Volunteers: Rodney and Kerry Hagenbach​ (Rodney worked in backyards and drove cattle and water truck, while Kerry was in the office all weekend), Darryl and Nicole Hayward ​(Darryl was a judge and worked in backyards, while Nicole helped in the office and also with announcing and presentations), Anthony Flint (Novelty draft commentary), Jenny Rafton ​(Office), Tori Rafton ​(Office), Errol and Clare Cooper ​(Errol was a judge and helped remove used cattle from cutout yard, while Clare was our announcer), Jo Frankcom ​(helped in the kitchen all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday), Glenn Muller ​(worked in the backyards all day Saturday and Sunday), Glenn Evans ​(judge and ACA representative/announcement regarding scoring/finals), Shirley (Allora Show Society), Clancy Smith (backyards), Terry and Geraldine Dwan (helped the riders with cattle selection etc), Greg Widderick​ (judge and helped remove used cattle from cutout yard) Cooper Jackson (set up/clean up and cattle)

SCOTS PGC Student helpers: Mitch and Cody Muller (backyards), Ryan Bohm (backyards), George Handley (backyards), Lewis Edwards (backyards), Tyler Caldwell (backyards), Will Bryant (backyards), Lachlan Woods (backyards), Baxter Twidale, Chloe Paganin, Ala, Layne & Ruby Frankcom, Gabby and Phoebe Sellick (not competing but helped all weekend), Jess Angus (not competing but helped all day Saturday), Maddie and Mackenzie Taylor (not competing but helped all weekend), Molly-Rose Sinclair (not competing but helped both days), Marty, Tommy and Laura Worboys, Chaylee and Connor Bruyn, Grace Muller.

Finally, we would like to thank our generous sponsors for their contributions to the event. Without their generous support, the event would not be able to proceed. Sponsorship comes in many forms, from donations of time, livestock, and transport to the prizes on offer and the other monetary enhancements. Many of our donors, particularly of the more than 500 head of cattle required for the event, wished to remain anonymous but nonetheless, we are most grateful for their support.

From the Middle School

Ms Amy Woodgate | Director of Girls’ Boarding and Head of Middle School

With the school year drawing to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do to support your child on their Middle School journey.  Whether it be cheering from the sidelines at a sporting event, being a member of the audience for an assembly or performance, or spending time at night helping with an assessment item, we do very much appreciate the partnership we have between home and school.

I am proud of all that our Middle School students have achieved this year, across all domains.  They have worked hard in our classrooms to achieve to the best of their ability in the various subject areas.  They have actively involved themselves in the College’s co-curricular offerings, representing our school with pride.  They have taken part in Inter Clan events, cheering on their fellow Clan members with enthusiasm.  However, what I am most proud of is the way each of our Middle School students have grown socially.  It is often these years of early adolescence that can be challenging for both the children and the adults in their lives.  Our Middle School students are discovering who they are and their place in the world.  They are learning to navigate their social relationships and be empathetic and respectful towards others.  They are developing an understanding of their emotions and their character strengths and how these can come together to build strong relationships and a strong community.  Our Middle School students are also full of energy, have an infectious sense of humour and make sure that no two days at SCOTS PGC are the same.

I hope that at this time of year, you do have a moment to reflect on just how far your child has come this year, whether that be their academic achievements, the way in which they have developed connections with other students, or the way they have succeeded in whichever co-curricular endeavour they have committed to.  You will receive an Academic Report in the coming weeks that summarises your child’s achievements across the year.  It will be a snapshot of their learning and growth this year and provide an opportunity to celebrate their progress and set goals for next year.  I would like to commend each of them for their application to learning and their desire to always improve.

We look forward to welcoming our new and returning families in the new year, with Term 1 commencing on Tuesday 24 January, with Monday 23 January being a Travel Day for our boarding students. I wish you all the best for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday break and some well-deserved time spent with family and friends.

Mr Richard Dobrenov | Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School

As the year draws to a close, I would like to wish all College families greetings of the season and best wishes for the new year.  This year has been one of challenge and excitement as lessons were learned, skills were honed, and relationships grew.

To the students, reflect on your academic progress and take pride where you have given your best effort.  If you haven’t achieved what you set out to attain, reset your goals and think about ways to improve your efforts.

To our College families, thank you for your support and enjoy the warmth of home, and the company of family and good friends.  I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 24 January 2023.

***

Please enjoy some pictures from last week’s Inter-Clan Day which provided a day of fun activities for the whole College.  It was also wonderful to see our 2023 leaders taking the opportunity to step into their leadership roles to facilitate the activities on this day.

Mr Kyle Thompson | Principal

The last few weeks, for many reasons, have made me take time to reflect on what is important. It has also given me cause to consider my relationships at work, at home and with the myriad of people I know including acquaintances and friends.

A key factor in these reflections has been how I spend my time.  What importance do I place on particular actions or words, whether I make time or manufacture not having time in these interactions, and my constant ‘busy’ mindset where one must prioritise how and what one does, often at the expense of someone or something else.

So, as part of these deliberations, I pose the question ‘how long does it take to make a cup of tea?’

It sounds simple and not necessarily a metaphor for some of how we live our lives, but I believe this example can hold a number of messages for us all. Making a cup of tea can be simple or more complex – tea bags or traditional teapots and all that goes with the preparation. How long does it take to boil the water needed? Times vary dependent on the cooktop, kettle, or instant hot water features. Even using the same method, the time can appear to be different, depending on our mindset. If I’m in a hurry, the water never seems to boil (a watched pot never boils apparently), sometimes distracted, I forget I’ve even boiled the kettle, and at other times working through the process and taking the time is a gentle distraction from whatever has or is going on.

Why do I reflect on this? Because I am starting to see that how we approach making tea is often interchangeable in how we are interacting in our relationships. Am I racing through a meeting or a phone call just to get it done and ticked off my list? Am I taking the time to enjoy the interaction with all the components and allowing myself to enjoy the experience? Am I giving my full attention to the task (or person) at hand? Am I savouring the development of something good and enjoyable or just working to get an outcome? Am I enjoying the ‘time’?

As we move towards our holiday period I am encouraged, and encourage us all, to spend time with those important to us and those who need out time. Indeed, the tea analogy is a great one for the importance of sharing tea (interchangeable with time) with those close to us. Time is a finite resource and the greatest gift we can give to one another. I undertake to give this gift of time generously this holiday period to those who need it and those I’m close to, just like sharing a cuppa with a friend. Let us all enjoy the process of making and spending time with our families over the festive period and enjoy the wonderful warmth, nourishment and refreshment that comes with such interactions and our metaphorical cup of tea.

So, how long does it take to make a cup of tea? My answer is it takes as long as it takes or needs to take or we want it to take. And, I encourage everyone to use this time to connect and enjoy the simple things in life that are often not as simple as they seem. And, especially enjoy and share the most valuable gift of all – time – with those we are close to.

I take this opportunity to thank staff, parents and our students for their support of the College this year. I wish everyone a safe and fulfilling holiday period and I look forward to seeing everyone next year – and maybe even sharing a cup of tea with a few more people.

The group of young women and men who have formed the Boarding family here at SCOTS PGC in 2022 set out with a collective goal to ‘live’ the College values to the best of their ability in all aspects of their boarding life during their journey. Led by our Boarding Captains Matilda and Peter and Vice Captains, Kaysan and Scott, the girls’ and boys’ boarders have achieved these ambitions, and much more. Most importantly, many strong, positive friendships have also been formed among the students throughout the year. Congratulations are richly deserved for all on achieving such important milestones. Thanks for being yourselves, positively contributing to your boarding house throughout the year, and for continuing to strive to be the best person possible. Special mention to the Year 12 Senior cohort of boarders this year. These young women and men are a true credit to themselves, their family and the College. They have displayed wonderful leadership and maturity and set a great standard for all other boarders to follow. On behalf of all the boarding staff at SCOTS PGC, we wish them well in their future endeavours.

Collectively, we would like to thank all the parents, guardians and carers of our boarders for the support and trust you have shown toward the staff who work in boarding across all the houses. It has been a pleasure to work with your children throughout the year, hopefully making a positive impact. A big thank you to the wonderful boarding staff for all your time, effort and dedication in supporting the young women and men in our boarding care. You have done a great job. Finally, special thanks to the College Executive, led by Mr Thompson, for their unwavering support of our boarding community.

Please enjoy a range of photos as snapshots of the year past. May the 2022 year always hold fond memories for our Boarders.

Mr David Marriott | Director of Boys’ Boarding

Ms Amy Woodgate | Director of Girls’ Boarding and Head of Middle School

Mr Stewart Bailey | Assistant Director of Boys’ Boarding