Ash Wednesday Chapel Service (Yrs 1-12) • Wednesday 5 March
Kindergarten rest day • Wednesday 5 March
International Women's Day breakfast • Friday 7 March, 7am, Chapel Hall. Tickets on sale soon.
Kindergarten commences 5-day week • Monday 10 March
NAPLAN • Wednesday 12 to Monday 24 March
Pupil Free Day • Friday 21 March
Boarders' Exeat Weekend • Friday 21 March (Boarders return from 1pm, Sunday 23 March)
Mamma Mia! Showcase Production • Friday 28 March 7pm, Saturday 29 March, 2pm and 7pm. BUY TICKETS HERE
Whole School Cross Country • Tuesday 1 April, AWEC
Year 4 Camp, Billabong Ranch • Wednesday 2 April to Friday 4 April
Year 7-11 Camps • Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 April
Year 12 Retreat • Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 April
Term 1 ends • Friday 11 April
From Principal • Mark Hemphill
Welcome to 2025!
It has been wonderful to welcome all the students from Preschool to Year 12 back to school over the past week.
The school is a quiet and lonely place in the holidays without the students, so it is lovely to feel the energy and buzz return to the campus. I have really enjoyed catching up with the students and hearing all about their holiday adventures and their plans for 2025. I love the friendliness and kindness of the Scots students, as they so easily and happily engage with me each day. It is so easy to get out of bed each morning, knowing I'll be greeted with warmth and enthusiasm each day by such special students.
It has also been great to engage with so many different parents at our many different morning and afternoon teas to start the year. Thank you to all the families who have attended and supported these welcome events. Our Welcome Community Breakfast was a phenomenal event on Tuesday with over 500 people in attendance. There appears to be much renewed confidence in the school this year and I have been so impressed by and appreciative of the wonderful attendance at our welcome events in the past week. There is a wonderfully positive and warm energy about the place, for which I am so thankful.
So far this year I have hosted:
Year 7 and 12 Boarder Parent Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 29 January
Year 8-11 Boarder Parent Afternoon Tea on Thursday 30 January
New Families Morning Tea on Friday 31 January
Kindergarten Parents Morning Tea on Monday 3 February
Welcome to 2025 Scots Community Breakfast on Tuesday 4 February
Welcome to Chris Todd and Junior School Leaders Induction on Tuesday 4 February and;
Our Opening of the Academic Year Assembly on Wednesday 5 February
As you can see, it has been an action-packed week with incredibly strong and positive community engagement. I hope this will set the pattern for 2025, where we enjoy strong community support and engagement for all our Scots events.
Traffic arrangements
A sincere thank you to all of our families who are adhering to our Junior School traffic arrangements. If we all do our part and follow the rules, then the new system will work very smoothly and effectively. If there are small issues, please be patient and bear with us as we all do our best to resolve any issues.
Welcome to our new Scots families
A very warm welcome to the 75 new families who have joined Scots this year. We hope you will be incredibly happy here and we look forward to many years of association with Scots.
Welcome to our new Scots staff
It has been exciting to welcome a number of new staff across all areas of the school. A very special welcome to our new Head of Junior School, Chris Todd. I am so pleased that Chris has joined us and I can already see his impact on the Junior School.
Junior School teaching staff
Fiona Davis - Year 1 Lynda Raymond - Year 2 Amanda Walsh - Year 5 Tash Wilkins - Year 6 & Head of Girls Boarding Jane Holland - Japanese
Preschool educators
Lorena Diaz Jessica Pfeiffer
Learning assistants
Gabrielle Berry Allie Fulford Lolita Jurevica Chloe Knight Scarlett Simpson Joseph Spurr Tara Williams
Senior School teaching staff
Cassie Anderson - Science/Agriculture Trish Barwick - English Mark Fagan - HSIE Melanie Hutchison - Science/Agriculture Brennan McCann - TAS James Toohey - Head of Dept | TAS Brendan Williams - Mathematics Sarah-Jane Wood - Mathematics
Support staff
IIla Bowditch - Learning Assistant Corey Fenton - Learning Assistant Amanda McMillan - Visual Arts Emily Inoc - Chef Jacob Miles - Boarding Assistant Mackenna Van Malsem - Boarding Assistant Brodee Windham - Boarding Assistant Tony Hill - Basketball Coordinator Katherine Nelson - Finance Officer | Accounts Receivable
Scots is a large organisation in the Border region as we employ approximately 170 staff across all of our teams. We hope that our new staff will be very happy with their choice to join Scots and I hope they all have long, happy and rewarding careers.
No abuse school
There are very few guarantees in life, but one thing I can guarantee is that when you work with young people, things will at times go wrong. I also know that, at times, we will make mistakes and that we won't get everything right. I ask that at all times, irrespective of how you're feeling or what has happened, that all staff are treated with courtesy and respect. There is no place at Scots for rudeness, aggression or abuse.
Every staff member is entitled to an abuse-free work environment and Scots is no exception. To those keyboard warriors amongst us, please be mindful of how you communicate with staff. Email should only be used to contact staff to identify an issue or concern and to organise a time to meet. Email works well as an administrative tool, but it should not be used to deal with emotional or difficult issues. Rarely have I experienced email being used effectively to solve problems. In fact, emails are often the source and cause of many issues. If you have a concern or an issue, it is better to meet in person to resolve the issue.
Can I also remind parents, that with new Right to Disconnect laws in schools, please do not contact staff before 8am or after 5pm, or on weekends. Staff will respond to you as soon as they can, within school working hours, usually within 48 hours.
Boarders' Big Weekend
I really enjoyed spending time with the Boarders over the weekend; reconnecting with our existing boarders and getting to know our new boarders. Thanks to Elsa Kilgour, Natasha Wilkins and Tom Mewett for organising such a great variety of engaging activities across the weekend. I was lucky enough to spend most of the weekend with the Boarders and I really enjoyed seeing them interacting, establishing new friendships and having fun with each other. There is no question that our boarding houses are very special places and our boarders are second to none.
Junior School update
Each week, great progress is being made in the building of the new Junior School. Not everything is obvious to the naked eye, but a lot is happening behind the scenes. The new library space is completed and across this week, the old building will be vacated and all resources moved across to the new space. We had our first site meeting with Zauner Construction last week and these meetings will occur each fortnight to map out the fortnightly plan. This week, Zauner has set up its site office in the car park, in preparation for the commencement of work in the next few weeks. The Amphitheatre will be demolished and the Library and JET buildings will be gutted. I think over the next few weeks you will start to see actual building work commencing on the site. We will keep you updated in each of our Newsletters on the progress of the building, but at this early stage everything is on track.
Thanks to our Maintenance Team
An enormous Thank You to Gary Hale, our fabulous Maintenance Manager and his incredible team for the enormous amount of work which was completed over the Summer break. Gary and his team have worked tirelessly on a multitude of projects and we have returned to school with our beautiful campus looking absolutely amazing. When you step into our beautiful grounds, you feel an immediate sense of peace and calm, due to our lovely gardens.
A great year ahead
As you can see, it has been a huge couple of weeks already. I feel incredibly optimistic about 2025 as there is a wonderfully positive vibe right throughout the school. I feel that there is a genuine feeling that Scots is moving forward and we are on a trajectory to achieving great things over the coming years. I hope that you, your children and your families have the most wonderful 2025 and I look forward to sharing the student successes and achievements with you.
From Head of Senior School • Janine Haymes
Welcome back to all of our families in the Senior School!
It has certainly been a busy start to 2025. It was great to welcome Year 7 and 12, who returned a day before the rest of the school. Our Year 12s spent the day in workshops, focussing on the year ahead and on how they can make the most of all of the opportunities which will come their way.
Year 7 arrived in the Senior School with aplomb! Many of the staff have commented on the positivity, enthusiasm and curiosity of this cohort; we have been so impressed with how they have started the year. I know that it is early days, I encourage families to make contact with their young person’s Learning Mentor, or the Year 7 Stage Coordinator, Ms Toohey, if they have any questions or concerns.
A big welcome to our new families and students in the Senior School. It has been a pleasure meeting our new students and seeing them start to find their way here at Scots. It can be a steep learning curve; learning the new systems, learning their way around and learning the dynamics of the community. With these demands, and the heat, I imagine we have some very tired young people. Please reach out to us if there is anything we are missing.
We celebrated the opening of the 2025 academic year on Wednesday with a formal assembly. During that time, we were able to celebrate some outstanding achievements of 2024. Our 2024 ATAR Medalist, Madeline Perkins, joined us. She spoke to the students about the importance of making the most of the opportunities at Scots. Maddy thanked her teachers and all the boarding staff for their support over the past six years. We are very proud of Maddy and we can not wait to see what she does next!
We also had the opportunity to congratulate Alex Smythe and Marcy Forge, Class of 2024, who were the recipients of Australian Olympic Change Maker awards. This honour is given to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to sport, and both recipients have truly earned their place among Australia’s future sporting leaders.
Alex has been a driving force in our Snowsports program for years, representing at the national level in his discipline. Marcy excelled as a House Captain and Sports Ambassador, while competing at the international level in curling. Their commitment to both their sport and their leadership within our school community has been outstanding.
It is shaping up to be an excellent year; we have so many great learning experiences planned. This term alone we have Mamma Mia, Year 12 mid-course examinations, a university excursion, curriculum trips and, of course, Camp Week.
I look forward to seeing what our young people can achieve in 2025!
From Head of Junior School • Chris Todd
Welcome to the new school year for the Junior School.
The first week brought many smiling faces through the gate full of energy, nerves and excitement. The Kinder year level commenced their first day with a sense of calmness and joy. They braved the heat and must be commended for how well they have adjusted to Junior School routines and expectations. A big welcome to our new families in the Junior school also with 20 students starting from Year 1-6. All in all it has been an excellent start to the school year.
I would like to extend my thanks to all students and families for welcoming me into the community. I, too, started the term full of energy, a little nerves and excitement. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone over the coming weeks and spending time in the classrooms and playground.
Thank you for your support, cooperation and understanding with the new car park plan. The revised Kiss and Drop and Pick Up zone is working really well so far and we will continue to make adjustments to keep the cars moving. Our main priority is to keep everyone safe when arriving and leaving school each day and I thank you for your support in this.
This week our students should be proud of the way they presented and conducted themselves at both the Junior School Leadership Induction assembly and also the Opening of the Academic Year Assembly.
Congratulations to those Junior School leaders that were inducted into leadership positions. Last Friday I spent some time with the Year 6 students discussing that, in addition to those who have been elected to positions, all our Year 6 students are viewed as leaders in the Junior School as the younger students look up to them. We also talked about what they would like their legacy to be when they leave the Junior School as they move on at the end of the year into the Senior School.
I was very impressed by their responses where they demonstrated a great understanding of what type of leader they wanted to be and the sort of impact they would like to have.
Next week we invite you to join us for the Junior School ‘Stay and Play’ Get Together. The afternoon will include organised games and an opportunity for students to play. Please RSVP to this event HERE.
The Term is a busy one with the Year 3-6 swimming carnival, Year 4 Camp, NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 and many other great learning and co-curricular activities on offer.
I am really looking forward to what 2025 will bring and am excited about all the events, learning opportunities, our new Junior School campus construction and getting to know each student and family.
From Director of Boarding • Elsa Kilgour
Boarders’ Start to the Year: A Warm Welcome and Exciting Adventures!
What an incredible start to the year for our boarders! We kicked things off with 22 new students joining both Wilson and Sellars houses, bringing fresh energy and excitement to our Boarding community. The returning students did a fantastic job of making them feel right at home, ensuring everyone was welcomed, included and ready for a year full of growth and adventure.
The very first night was a special one, with only our Year 7s and Year 12s on campus. This created a perfect opportunity for our senior students to connect with and support the youngest boarders as they began their high school journey. It was a night of bonding and preparation before the rest of the boarders returned the following day.
We’re also thrilled to welcome four new boarding staff members to our team: Tash, our Head of Girls, and our MODs - Mackenna, Brodee and Jacob. Their enthusiasm and expertise will be a huge asset in helping our Boarders thrive, both academically and socially this year.
The first weekend back was nothing short of epic. Our Boarders’ Big Weekend kicked off with a BBQ and a swim at the Albury pool on Friday night. The inflatable obstacle course and water slide kept everyone laughing and active. Saturday brought even more excitement with an Amazing Race around the school, filled with challenging puzzles, basketball, food challenges, maths questions and more. It was a great way for new and returning boarders to bond through teamwork and friendly competition.
Saturday night was a highlight with an outdoor cinema, complete with drinks and popcorn, which was perfect for winding down after such an action-packed day. On Sunday, we headed to Bounce for trampolining and rock climbing - what a way to wrap up the weekend!
A massive shout-out to all the boarders for showing up, getting involved and making it such a fun and memorable start to the year.
On Tuesday morning, we had our Welcome to 2025 Scot’s Community Breakfast, which was a chance to gather together as a school community and kick off the year with some delicious food and great company. A huge thank you to our Year 12 students who helped make this event a success. Their leadership and enthusiasm made it a wonderful occasion.
This week, the boarders have been making the most of the hot weather, with several trips to the school pool to cool off and unwind. It’s been fantastic to see so many of our boarders enjoying the chance to beat the heat together.
As the school week started, it’s been great to see the boarders diving back into their prep with focus and determination. Their commitment to their studies is already impressive and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll achieve this year!
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead: full of new friendships, learning, and unforgettable moments for all our boarders!
The Performing Arts program is off to an exciting start in 2025, with opportunities for students to get involved across Music, Dance, Oratory and Productions.
Our Co-Curricular Music ensembles will begin rehearsals in Week 3, welcoming both returning and new musicians.
Students interested in Scots Dance can take part in ‘Come and Try’ sessions in Weeks 3 and 4, offering a chance to explore different styles before committing to a group.
The Australian National Virtual Debating Competition also is set to begin, with Scots students preparing for another season of thought-provoking debates. The first practice session is scheduled for Wednesday lunchtime in Week 3.
One of my greatest pleasures is seeing our incredible production team transform scripts into fully-realised performances, bringing energy, creativity and storytelling to the stage. Excitement is already building for Mamma Mia!, this year’s Senior Showcase Production, which will take the stage on Friday 28 March and Saturday 29 March. For tickets to Mamma Mia! please click here
Meanwhile, our Junior Production rehearsals are underway, with students bringing Madagascar JR to life.
With so many opportunities ahead, it’s shaping up to be another fantastic year of Performing Arts at Scots! For further information regarding timetables and sign-ups for any of these programs, please visit the Performing Arts Scotty page or send an email to ctorok@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au.
Service Learning and Chaplain
Some important events are coming up already in Term 1!
Ash Wednesday
A joint celebration of Ash Wednesday will take place on Wednesday 5 March at 9am in the Chapel Hall. This service will be celebrated by Rev Beth Bear and Elders from St David’s will be joining the school community to begin the season of Lent. All parents are warmly welcomed to attend.
Clean Up Australia Day - Service Learning Activity
Clean Up Australia Day is Sunday 2 March and once more Scots is heading to Eastern Hill for a big clean up! Last year we cleared a lot of the bushland and surrounds of a whole variety of rubbish (including a TV). A notice will come out in Parent Lounge shortly, but students are invited to attend from 7.45am-10.00am. More information soon.
- Simon Goss
Back to School!
It's only one week into the 2025 School year but already we've achieved so much.
We've welcomed our new Kindergarten students, all the new students throughout the Junior and Senior School and welcomed back our returning students from their long summer holiday. We celebrated our Year 12s, who had their last First Day, and our Year 7s ,who had their first day in the Senior School.
We have hosted morning teas for new boarding parents and new Kindy parents, we've run information sessions and put on a spread for the start-of-year community breakfast. So, there has been plenty of opportunity for parents, students and staff to meet or catch up, making it a harmonious and cheerful start to the year.
A big thank you to our Year 12 students who were up bright and early, cooking and serving egg and bacon rolls at the Community Breakfast with so much energy and enthusiasm.
We had our first Academic Assembly for Years 3-12 and inducted our Junior School leaders, while at the same time welcoming new Head of Junior School Chris Todd.
Scots also featured on 7 News in their story about back to school enthusiasm and a couple of our parents and students were interviewed.
A selection of photos from across the week are included here. More photos can be viewed in galleries on Scotty.
With the building of the new Junior School there are some significant short-term changes to parking and traffic flow. Please read these important changes to pick-up and drop-off arrangements in 2025, which will be in effect throughout the construction of our new Junior School building. Works on this exciting project are expected to continue until mid-2026.
DURING THIS TIME, THE YOUNG STREET CAR PARK IS NOT AVAILABLE
What this means for you:
Families wishing to park and come onto school grounds will need to park in one of the surrounding streets and walk to the school.
There will be increased pedestrian traffic, so take extra care when driving in the area
Use the traffic lights when crossing the road, wherever possible.
Consider walking to school or taking the bus, if feasible
Allow extra time for your journey and be considerate of our neighbours
Council Rangers, Parking Officers and Police will be monitoring the area, so please ensure you drive and park legally to avoid penalties. Please consider our neighbours by ensuring you park safely and legally - not blocking driveways or on grassed verges.
Below are options to help streamline the drop-off and pick-up process.
Option 1: Use the Kiss and Drop Zone (Young Street)
Overview:
The Kiss and Drop Zone is designed for quick, streamlined drop-off and pick-up.
Arriving vehicles enter the queue at the start of the Kiss and Drop zone and proceed slowly forward until they are at the front of the queue.
Students enter or exit the car only when it is at the front of the queue.
Bags must be in the car with students - not in the boot - for efficiency at both drop-off and pick-up.
Staff will be on Young Street each day from 8.20am to supervise drop-off and manage students on to school grounds
Students should exit the vehicle with their bag from the kerbside, only when at the front of the queue
Pick-up specific instructions (3.20pm-3.55pm)
Staff will supervise students behind the school gates from 3.20pm-3.55pm
Staff stationed on Young Street will identify the family in the vehicle at the front of the queue and call for their child/ren via a PA system
Staff inside school grounds will then release those children, who will exit the gates and enter their car (with their bag) from the kerb
If for any reason your child does not respond to the call within 2 minutes (the legal maximum waiting time), you will be asked to drive around the block and re- enter the Kiss and Drop zone at the end of the queue.
If you are asked to drive around the block please comply without argument
In Week 2, each Junior School family will receive a Scots-branded sign with their surname which needs to be visible on the car’s passenger-side sun visor.
Important safety guidelines:
Stay in your vehicle: Drivers should remain in the vehicle while children get in or out. Children should have their school bags with them in the car (not in the boot).
Kerbside entry/exit: Children should enter and exit the vehicle from the kerbside and ensure their seatbelt is fastened before the vehicle moves off.
Stay in sequence: Please move forward slowly but maintain your place in the queue until you reach the front of the queue, allowing others to enter further down.
Please no U-turns: U-turns in this busy school zone are dangerous.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANY STAFF TO RECEIVE ANY FORM OF ABUSE.
Option 2: Use the Perry Street Entrance (near the Clocktower)
We encourage families - including Junior School families - to consider using the Perry Street entrance and exit.
From 8.20am each morning, Prefects and Staff will be stationed at the Perry Street gates to assist Junior School students across the campus
In the afternoon, students will join the Junior School “bus line”, which is escorted across the campus by staff to the Perry Street gates for collection.
2025 Young Citizen of the Year • Oliver Baitch
School Captain Oliver Baitch capped off his summer holidays with an AlburyCity Australia Day accolade that recognised the leadership we see on a daily basis at School but primarily focussed on his role as Albury youth mayor and proactive advocacy for community youth.
Ollie won the 2025 AlburyCity Young Citizen of the Year award at a formal ceremony at the Entertainment Centre on Saturday 25 January. The awards also marked contributions from Border residents in categories of active citizen, creative citizen, environmental citizen, volunteer, senior citizen of the year as well as Citizen of the Year.
The citation on Ollie's award, which was presented by AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack, read:
"As Youth Mayor of AlburyCity;'s Youth Council, Oliver has championed young voices and led impactful projects like fundraising for the Winter Solstice, the Carevan Foundation and Survivors of Suicide as well as initiatives like Clean Up Graffiti Day and WellFest.
Oliver's achievments include winning the State Lions Youth of the Year, representing Albury nationally and receiving the Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship. Balancing advocacy with academic excellence, he mentors younger students and actively engages in school musicals and sports.
Oliver's leadership, creativity and compassion make him an inspiring role model and future leader in our community."
Congratulations Ollie, Scots is so proud of your achievements.
Class of 2024 achievement awards
Madeline Perkins (Class of 2024) was welcomed back to Scots this week to receive the School's Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Medal at the first Academic Assembly of 2025.
The ATAR Medal is awarded annually at Scots to the student with the highest ATAR in their year level. Madeline was recognised for placing No.7 in the State in Biology and was awarded the ATAR Medal by Principal Mark Hemphill for her outstanding ATAR score of 97.3.
We also celebrated the success of Class of 2024 alumni Alexander Smythe and Marcy Forge, who returned to Scots to receive their 2024 Australian Olympic Change Maker Awards. This national award recognizes students who embody the Olympic spirit —friendship, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence — both on and off the field, making a positive impact in their school and local communities.
Congratulations to all three alumni! We're sure we will be hearing more about their successes in years to come.
Class of 2025 students off to University of Sydney
Class of 2025 students Tilly Tainton, Alice Eggleton and Phoebe Packer have been invited to a University of Sydney residential camp during the April school holidays to explore the campus and prepare for future study there.
The camp will be supported by current students and faculty staff, and will be an immersive experience where the students will:
participate in workshops and information sessions to plan and prepare for HSC studies
navigate a pathway and study options
gain an experience of life as a University of Sydney student
meet and chat with current University of Sydney students
sightsee around Sydney!
The girls' successful application to the University includes the cost of travel, accommodation, food and experiences related to the residential event.
Sellars Santa Run wrap up
In Term 4 2024, Sellars house ran the Sellars Santa Run, an initiative for the Salvation Army, where we collect food and gifts from Scots families to donate over the Christmas period for Australians in need. The Scots community did an awesome job in coming together to provide goods, resulting in a large amount of appreciated donations from both the Senior and Junior School. The Salvation Army was very thankful for the contributions.
In total our Junior and Senior School provided more than 300 donations. It was an amazing effort from our community at Scots, with Wilson providing the most donations.
Thank you to everyone who contributed - it really made a difference for some people over the Christmas period. We look forward to seeing the same energy in Term 4 this year!
From your Sellars House Captains - Alice and Taylor.
Student Achievements
Each newsletter, we try to include some of our students' wonderful out-of-school achievements. This is an opportunity for our students to be recognised for their non-school sporting, musical or cultural endeavours.
We often rely on parents to let us know about these achievements and welcome submissions for all kinds of activities to our email at marketing@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
When providing information, it is imperative that you include the following:
Who: (Student's first and last name and year level) What:? (What was the achievement or award? ie. Finalist in the State Athletics Championships/selected for the Riverina water polo under-14 team) When: (When did this happen) Where: (ie. at the Homebush Athletics Track, Sydney) Why: (Why was the student in a position to achieve this milestone - were they in a team, nominated for an award, selected for an honour etc.) Comment: (Add anything that is relevant. Ie. It was the culmination of several events/one of three people from Albury nominated/finalist after three knockout rounds etc.) Photo: Please attach a photo to the email.
Football
Harry Dean, Year 12, joined the Carlton Football Club for a 2-day training camp with the full AFL team in mid-January - the first step in a journey that will hopefully see him picked up by Carlton under the father/son rule in the AFL draft in November.
Harry's father, Peter, played 248 games for Carlton and Harry already has been in the Carlton Academy for five years. He was hopeful that he might have made the 2024 draft until he broke his shoulder last May, ending his season prematurely. However, he did a full pre-season at the end of last year and is confident he can continue to improve under guidance of Carlton, his local club, the Lavington Panthers Under-18 team and the Under-18 Bushrangers.
The Carlton training camp started with a team meeting and followed up with skills sessions and match practice. Harry was welcomed to the team by all the big name players: Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty, Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering.
Chess
James Grylewicz, Year 6, finished second overall in the open section of the Riverina Chess Tournament on Saturday 25 January.
James had the perfect lead-up to the competition, attending a 2-day chess clinic in Tumut in the week prior to the competition, in which he played eight game against some very tough competition before clinching second place. This follows on from his recent win at the Albury Chess Club as the Junior Chess Champion.
Scots Equestrian Interschool Challenge • 27 & 28 February
Horse riders from far and wide are gearing up for the annual Scots Equestrian Interschool Challenge on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February at the Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre.
The Scots Equestrian Team had a two-day clinic in December to prepare for our event, which offers competition in dressage, showhorse, handymount, novelties, lead line and showjumping.
This year for the first time, we are offering a Fancy Dress Pas de Deux - a dressage event for a pair of riders which is ridden to music. The fancy dress element adds a fun aspect to the event. Last year, we had a fancy dress jumping competition and we had all sorts of creative outfits, from a giraffe, to a bumblebee and riders dressed in a Frozen theme.
The Equestrian Team is looking for new members. All students from Kindergarten to Year 12, with their own horse, are invited to be part of this dynamic and friendly group. We run clinics on an adhoc basis and host a two-day Interschool event annually.
Clinics are offered in a variety of disciplines, depending on the interests of our riders. For instance, last December we ran a two-day clinic with some of the best coaches in Australia in the disciplines of showjumping, dressage, polocrosse and the cross country phase of eventing. The previous year, we ran a campdrafting clinic with accomplished coaches.
Team members are encouraged to compete at our own Interschool event. It’s an opportunity to have a go at a discipline you might not normally try in a very friendly and supportive environment. We have a team manager who oversees the group and our older riders help our younger riders in a very inclusive atmosphere.
We have a pool of School-branded saddle pads and browbands available for riders to borrow for events and an optional team uniform can be purchased throughout the year. Team members can represent the school at all Equestrian Interschool events, including the NSW and Victorian State Championships.
For all information, please contact Rowena Newcomen in the marketing office at rnewcomen@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au or call 0417 428 579.
Please see the program for the Scots Equestrian Interschool Challenge HERE
Library • Alley McKeon
The new library is taking shape.
It has been exciting to plan where things will be in our new space, but it is taking time. There have been many hold ups and we are not quite ready to open at the moment.
This means that borrowing and after school homework club is not available until further notice. Thank you to Gary from the ground staff and his team for working so hard on the space and the move.
An enormous thank you to Mrs Jane van der Vliet for her help with the move and setting up. Also, Mrs Gay St Clair who offered her time to help re-shelve books.
Upcoming Community Events
Stay up to date with all the Scots community events on our new webpage.
