Monday 15 August • Updated Scots App launches Wednesday 17 August • HSC Music Recital, 6.30pm Cultural Centre Thursday 18 August • Updated Scots App Help Desk Workshop, 5.30pm Friday 26 August • Book Week dress-up parade, 9.45am Indoor Sports Centre Monday 22 August • Friday 2 September • Year 11 & 12 Exams Monday 29 August • Year 6 exhibition, 4-6pm Library Friday 2 September • Father's Day Brekkie and Junior School open classrooms Friday 2 September • Year 9 and 10 2023 Information Session Friday 16 September • Footy Colours Day (casual clothes day and HotBake pie lunch) Friday 16 September • Equestrian Team training day, 1-4pm Tuesday 20 September - Thursday 22 September • Henty Field Days Friday 23 September • Term 3 ends Saturday 24 September-Sunday 25 September • Scots Equestrian Interschool Challenge Tuesday 11 October • Term 4 commences
Scots has long been a leader in education in this region and, it is with that reputation in mind, that we are currently investigating the potential of adding esports to our co-curricular offering.
We are in very early stages of discussion with providers to understand the benefits and costs involved and how we might include esports in our program in a sustainable and healthy way.
I hear you say: “What? Gaming at our School.”
I must admit it was my first response too.
But I’ve since done a lot of research and I’m convinced it is a pathway we may need to tread if we are to remain a leader in education in Australia.
The ABC reported this week that esports could be included in Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, after an inaugural pilot event in Birmingham. On the final weekend of the Games in Birmingham, the inaugural Commonwealth esports Championships were held as a pilot to see whether it could be a part of the Games proper. There are 16 sports already confirmed for Victoria 2026, with organisers looking to add three or four more to the final program by the end of September.
While the school has made tremendous strides in academia - we have been named the No.1 academic school on the Border and recognised as having the best co-curricular program in Australia - we are aware there’s so much more to a child’s development.
We have brought in a series of STEM options, reinvigorated our snowsports presence and enhanced our equestrian program. But we never rest. We must not rest on our laurels because education continues to evolve.
There are synergies between esports and the underpinning educational philosophies we already have in place at Scots through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Design for Deep Learning.
The six Cs are fundamental to each of these programs.
In his paper titled Video Games and The Future of Learning, the Assistant Professor at the Department of Educational Psychology at University of Wisconsin, David Williamson Shaffer, argues that video games have the potential to serve as tremendous educational tools.
“Even creatively, children frequently have the option to modify and select character personalities in video games, allowing them the opportunity of self-expression. Some video games also allow children to design and exchange maps or other custom content, helping them build creative and technical skills.”
The six Cs are Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Character, Citizenship, Critical thinking and meta-Cognition. The esport providers have listed the six Cs:
Creativity: Over time, video games have become increasingly complex and multifaceted. There is convincing evidence that playing video games enhances problem-solving skills and improves creativity.
Collaboration: A vital part of any esport team title.
Communication: Esport teams need to be able to communicate effectively and constantly throughout the entirety of each match, calling out locations of enemy players or coordinating complementary abilities with teammates.
Character: All sports provide opportunities to pursue excellence of character under the right conditions - through mutual encouragement, challenge and support.
Citizenship: Students recognise the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world.
Critical thinking: Quite a few well-controlled research studies have documented positive effects of video games on mental development. Repeated experiments have shown that playing fast-paced action video games can quite markedly increase players’ scores on tests of visuospatial ability, including tests that are used as components of standard IQ tests.
Meta-Cognition: As an esport athlete you constantly have to perform the three steps for metacognition - Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. Metacognition is the single most important individual skill in esport and is a primary developmental focus for bettering individual players.
One of the obstacles to fully engaging in an esport program at Scots is funding. To engage, we would need about $30,000, some of which we hope would be achievable through funding and sponsorship to meet the needs of students outside our curriculum.
We are in the early stages of our investigation and if anyone has experience in this field, I would be pleased to hear from you.
From Head of Senior School • Kelly McKay
This week has had a strong focus on leadership at Scots. Year 11 interviews for leadership positions are well underway and our School Captain nominees delivered their leadership speeches at Assembly this week. More will be delivered next week. It was lovely to have our Year 5 students join us so that they can model their own speeches on those delivered by our seniors. Voting will begin soon and we look forward to making some announcements in the coming weeks.
We have moved into the time of year where students are making subject selections for 2022. I would like to remind all parents of Stage 5 students (Year 9 and 10 2023) that we have an information afternoon on Friday 2 September starting at 2.30pm. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Learning Mentor if you have any questions relating to subject selection.
Learning Mentors have spoken to their students about the girls not wearing pyjamas underneath their kilts. I ask that you please support us in removing this unhygienic and unsightly habit that appears to be more prevalent in the upper years of the senior school. Your support is much appreciated.
I would like to draw your attention to a new app that has become popular with teenagers around the world. It is called Be Real and is similar to Snap Chat, except it takes a photo of them and someone on the other side of the camera. This means that there is the potential for someone to have their photo taken and be completely unaware. Phones will be confiscated during the day and such a breach of privacy will result in serious consequences for students caught engaging with the app. I ask that you please support us in discussing this with your child and supporting our expectations.
We are very excited to be launching our updated Scots App on Monday. We will be running a Parent Workshop in the library on Thursday next week at 5.30pm to assist any parents in using the App and/or Scotty. We will have IT support on hand to assist so I encourage you to bring along your devices so we can lead you through any questions you may have.
From Head of Junior School • Matthew Boundy
Life@Scots - Communication Channels
In our modern world filled with multiple communication platforms, it is often hard to know where or who to turn to for the right information. In recent years, Scots has worked very hard to improve our communication with the community by updating our systems and user experience via the school app, newsletter and learning management system, Scotty.
We are very excited that next week, our new ‘Scotty’ app will be available, further enhancing the way our families connect with information and learning.
So what will this look like for Junior School families?
Updated Scots App - on Monday 15 August, parents will be invited to update their school app. This platform will be your one-stop shop and give you access to important news, links, student ePortfolios and learning updates (Year 3-6). You can also view your child's timetable and the school calendar. The App will be the only platform used by the school to connect with families enmasse, with emails reserved for individual correspondence.
Seesaw - Seesaw provides a developmentally appropriate platform for our Preschool-Year 2 students to share their learning with their families. Evidence of learning will be shared regularly and students will transition to the use of Scotty when they reach Year 3.
WhatsApp - we value the opportunity for our families to connect via WhatsApp. This informal platform is managed by our Year Parents and is an optional way to connect with the school community.
As well as instructional videos to support the transition to the new app, we invite families to attend our drop-in session for technical support and guidance on Thursday 18 August from 5.30-6.15pm in the library.
Year 6 Exhibition Update
We are looking forward to sharing the amazing learning of our Year 6 students with the school community in Week 7. Students are busy refining their primary and secondary research and finding answers to the many questions they have about how we, as a society, share the planet. As well as explaining this to their peers and teachers at school, we invite all members of our community to an open afternoon, from 4-6pm in the school library on Monday 29 August. This is a great opportunity to see student agency, independence and growth in action as our Year 6 celebrate the culmination of seven years in primary school.
From Director of Boarding • John Hill
“I’m not so sure that the adult within me teaches the child within me. Rather, I think that the child does most of the educating.” - Craig D. Lounsbrough
The boarders at Scots have had a couple of very big weeks with midweek and weekend activities keeping everyone busy.
On Wednesday, 27 July, we held a Christmas in July dinner which was a huge success. Special thanks to Claire and her team for putting on a wonderful spread for the students and staff. The students were treated to a traditional Christmas dinner including roast turkey, cranberry sauce and delicious desserts to name a few. The students really got into the spirit of the occasion, dressing up and having a great time.
Special mention to:
Will Devere (Year 12) - Best dressed boy Kirsten McLennan (Year 7) - Best dressed girl The Year 7 girls - Best dressed group
I hope you enjoy some of the photos below.
Last Friday, we trialed our first BBQ breakfast of the term. While there are still some teething issues to work through, the students absolutely loved the opportunity to have a bit of a sleep-in and enjoyed the bacon and egg rolls. It was great to see so many students putting their hands up to help with the cooking.
As we approach the business end of the year, assessments are ramping up with Year 11 and 12 students, in particular, starting to feel the pressure. Please take some time to speak your children and remind them that, while academics are important, asking for help and taking a short break can be the best things to reset their approach.
I would also like to mention that a number of boarding staff will be attending the Australia Boarding Schools Association Duty of Care course in coming days. This is a great opportunity for us to learn from the industry experts while also sharing the wonderful initiatives that are already taking place here at Scots.
From Director of Preschool • Belinda Crothers
We will welcome two university students, who are in their last year of study, into the Preschool over the next few weeks. This will be their final placement before they are teachers in the ‘real world’. What a time! Years of study and various placements and they are nearly there as future teachers.
These students are a bit like our preschool students and by this I mean that our preschoolers have spent years learning new skills that will go forward and be used in multiple ways:
Time spent learning that you can mix colours at the paint easel to make the very colour green you need for your work.
That if you want to dig a really deep hole in the sandpit or move a heavy bucket of sand, you can always ask a friend for help.
That books, when read with excitement can lead you to another world of imagination.
That they aren’t starting school as blank slates. Preschool has started a journey and their school bags will be filled with prior understandings.
Both our student teachers and our preschoolers are at an exciting time; both with loads of knowledge behind them, but a little nervous as they start the next stage. We are lucky to play such an important role in it. And maybe in 2040 our preschool students will be here at Scots Preschool as student teachers themselves.
And for those of you thinking that’s forever away- remember 2005? That’s the same time span. Scary I know! I was already working in early childhood education in 2005 so the students could very well be former preschoolers of mine. Excuse me while I go and check the bathroom cabinet for wrinkle cream! It’s too late for hair dye!
Please take time over the next few weeks to say hello to these student teachers. We will be supporting their studies and helping them get to know Scots Preschool and all who learn here. They will be immersed in all that we do. Including an excursion ! We know they will love the Scots community as much as we do.
From Head of Pedagogy • Megan Dickins
‘Every gardener knows that you cannot make a plant grow … The plant grows itself. What you do is provide the conditions for growth.’ - Sir Ken Robinson
At Scots we believe that from Preschool to Year 12 our role is to prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world. For students to reach the point of thriving they need to become expert learners, this more than teaching content.
It is important to us to foster a culture of lifelong learning and developing skills that will allow students to succeed no matter what they choose to do later in life. While we teach the NSW curriculum, we also look beyond academic goals to explicitly teach and develop lifelong competencies.
In the Junior School these are fostered through the IB PYP learner profile. With some exposure in the Junior School and then explicit teaching in the Senior School, the focus is on six key competencies.
These are:
Creativity, Critical thinking, Collaboration, Citizenship, Character and Communication.
Students with these skills can learn independently, adapt and persevere to overcome unexpected challenges in any aspect of their lives. Over the coming weeks each of these competencies will be explained in detail with examples of how this looks in our classrooms and how our students and staff are demonstrating these.
We look forward to our community partnering in this journey.
MMG Survey • Tell us your thoughts
The closing date for our formal MMG Parents’ Survey has been extended until next Wednesday due to the very low response rate. We encourage you to make sure your voice is heard.
This survey is professionally managed, covering all aspects of schooling at Scots, and will ensure every parent has a chance to have their say.
Our Strategic Plan is very much guided by this survey, along with the student survey and the one that Staff will complete.
It is your opportunity to tell us what you think.
To ensure confidentiality and to encourage frank and full expression of views:
All responses will be de-identified
The data will be reported back in aggregated form only
All data collected by MMG Education will remain under its control and archived according to research protocols. The School will not be able to access it.
Surveys were emailed to every parents’ email address 10 days ago from MMG education, so please contact Community Relations and Advancement Manager Petra Barber if you haven’t received yours or have any questions.
The survey will close on Wednesday at 5pm.
Important Information • Updated Scots App
We are excited to announce that next week we will launch our updated and improved Scots App – providing access to everything you need in the one place!
The Scots App is the primary communication tool for our school community – ensuring timely access to news and events. The updated version provides more accessibility than ever, with access to student timetables, learning portfolios (Years 3-12), co-curricular group news, Scotty, Parent Lounge and loads more all in one central location.
One Login to Access Everything
The updated Scots App will now require your NEW personalised login which will also give you access to Parent Lounge and Scotty. Once this password has been entered for the first time, you will be able to seamlessly access the App and all connected platforms using only the password system on your phone (e.g. touch ID, facial recognition etc). there will be no need to remember log-in details every time!
Look out for an important email next week
Please keep an eye out for an email next week from itmanager@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au with details of the updated App and your unique username and password. This email will also provide guidance on how to login for the first time.
NB: This new login and password does not apply to Reach or Seesaw at the moment. We are working on one-login access to both programs and will update Boarding and Junior School families once this has been implemented.
Need Help? Come and talk to the experts
To assist families with the roll-out of the updated Scots App (and to provide more information about using Scotty), we will host a Help Desk Workshop next Thursday 18 August in the Library from 5.30–6.15pm. Families will be able to seek assistance in logging on and how to use the various platforms, and chat to experts about how to get the most out of these important platforms. Everyone welcome.
Staff movement
Jane Mackinlay: Welcome to our new PDHPE teacher Jane Mackinlay. Jane was born, raised and educated in Holbrook and Albury; she is very connected to the region. She completed a B Ed at Wollongong University and has taught PDHPE at James Fallon and Albury High Schools. Jane’s key educational interests are outdoor education, student wellbeing and future ready skills. She’s also a keen swimmer and cyclist.
Samm Menzies: Our Chaplain, Samm Menzies, has left Scots to pursue other interests. Samm was a much-loved member of our wellbeing staff and her warmth and compassion will be sadly missed.
From the Library
Book Week
Theme is Dreaming With Eyes Open, 22-26 August
Junior School
Will have a dress-up parade on Friday 26 August in the ISC at 9.45am
Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed in each class
During the week, the library will host games and activities at recess and lunch.
Senior School
Students and staff are encouraged to dress up as a character from a fiction book on Friday 26 August.
Prizes are on offer for best dressed and most creative
Quizzes and trivia competitions will be held
Book Fair
The Book Fair will run in the library for the week starting Monday 5 September.
Chess Club
Is still running on Fridays at lunchtime. Please come along with your lunch to compete or improve.
Library Hours
Please note Library hours:
Homework Club for Years 5 and 6 Monday-Thursday 3.30–4.30pm only Senior School Study sessions Monday–Thursday 3.30–5.30pm Library closes 3.30pm Friday
- Ms Alley McGhee
Debating at Eisteddfod
The Year 7/8 Debate Team won the Eisteddfod debates against strong opposition from Albury High School on Wednesday 10 August. Congratulations to Lizbeth Donald, Amy Hayes and Amara Steele for this impressive win. There were two debates: the prepared debate on ‘That Australia Should Have National Driving Laws’ – arguing the affirmative - and an impromptu debate on ‘That Australia Should Close All Zoos’ – arguing the negative.
It was very close! Only nine points separated the two teams. Amara Steele also won best speaker for her efforts as Third Speaker for both Affirmative and Negative contentions.
The trophy that returned to Scots has its foundations in our strong team-based preparation. Many thanks to our experienced Year 9 and 10 debaters for working so effectively with the Year 8 team during the after school Debating CCA in Weeks 4 and 5.
- Ms Sarah Bowman, Oratory Co-ordinator
Scots Highland Games • call for volunteers
The Scots Highland Games will be on Saturday 11 March 2023 and promises to be a fun-filled Scottish-themed evening that will set Scots apart from all other schools in the area.
We are calling for volunteers to join our organising committee to make this event spectacular.
An evening Military Tattoo featuring pipe bands, horses and dancers will be the main feature of the day but we already have some great plans for supporting aspects. Around the castle erected on Gillespie Oval, we will have:
Third party paid stalls, including food vendors
Some parent-led stalls, with a Scottish theme (based on our most popular stalls from this year's Fair)
Traditional Scottish competitions such as Tossing the Caber, which will attract a group of strong athletes who travel to these sorts of competitions all around Australia.
Medieval role play competitions (such as sword fighting.)
Parent-led whacky races themed with a Scottish twist
Hospitality tent
Pipeband competition
If you would like to get involved, please send an email to marketing@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au and we will be in touch.
Success at Victorian Solo Drumming Championships
Several members of the Scots School Albury Pipe Band’s drum corps recently competed at the Victorian Solo Drumming Championships held at Haileybury College. The day was a huge success with all competitors coming away with a prize in their respective grades. A special thanks to our accompanying pipers Jonny Coe and Mr Nicolson for their outstanding musical support. Thanks also to Drum Tutor Tom Mewett for his hard work in preparation for the competition and support on the day. Our results included:
Damon Wright - B Grade Snare Victorian Champion Clancy Ledger - Novice Bass Victorian Champion Syeda Rizvi - D Grade Tenor Victorian Champion Eddie Butko - Novice Snare Victorian champion Ewan Douglas -2nd Novice Snare Josh Niuila - C Grade Snare Victorian Champion, 1st 8 parts of March WSDC Shanaaya Chowdhry - 2nd 8 parts of March WSDC
A small group of Year 9 and 10 students on Monday 1 August and 25 Year 6 students on Tuesday 2 August participated in the Science and Engineering Discovery Days. This event was conducted by The University of Newcastle and sponsored by Inland Rail and Rotary. It was held at the Albury Entertainment Centre and involved many local schools.
The activities involved students working in teams to complete STEM-based challenges including building a tower to withstand earthquakes, designing a rover to move over rough terrain, build and run a water turbine as well as build and test a bridge. The tasks were designed to be challenging and all students who took part should be proud of their efforts.
On the Monday there were five schools participating, with the Scots contingent forming a combined team with Trinity. The other schools involved were St Paul’s College, Border Christian College and Albury High School, which came first. Our students who were part of the combined team came second.
On the Tuesday, Scots finished second in a session with six schools: Border Christian College, Trinity Anglican College, Wodonga Primary School, Lavington Public School, Albury Public School, which won.
Our students were engaged in their activities and put in a great effort coming first in a number of the events where the competition was close. It was such a success that the event is sure to make a return to Albury next year.
NSW School Immunisation Program: Scots School Albury
Wodonga Council’s Immunisation Team will be offering vaccinations to Year 7 students and catch-up vaccinations to Year 7, 8 and 10 students at this school on Monday 19th September 2022.
The following vaccines will be offered on this day:
Consent cards should have already been signed and returned to the school for these vaccinations.
If your Year 7 child did not receive the first dose of vaccines earlier in the year and you would still like them to receive these vaccines, please contact Council’s immunisation team on 1800 655 360 to discuss and to obtain a consent card (if consent card previously not returned). If eligible, Wodonga Council’s Immunisation Team can administer the first dose of HPV vaccine and the Boostrix vaccine to these students, at school on 19/09 if we have a signed consent card.
Please note, any Year 7 student who returns a consent card for HPV and/or dTpa (Boostrix) vaccination, who does not commence or complete the vaccination course during the school year whilst in Year 7, will be eligible for catch-up vaccination at school in Year 8. If eligible, Wodonga Council’s Immunisation Team can administer the vaccine/s to these Year 8 students, at school on 19/09 if we have a signed consent card.
If your Year 10 Student did not receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine earlier in the year and you would like them to receive this vaccine, please contact Council’s immunisation team on 1800 655 360 to discuss and to obtain a consent card (if consent card previously not returned). If eligible, Wodonga Council’s Immunisation Team can administer the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to these students, at school on 19/09 if we have a signed consent card.
Year 7 and 10 students may also receive their vaccination through their GP.
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation.
If possible, please ensure that your child is wearing their sports uniform or a short sleeve shirt on the vaccination day (without any long sleeved layers underneath), this will enable a smooth vaccination process.
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at the time of vaccination. Parents/guardians should ensure that this record is kept for future reference.
If you have any enquiries regarding the NSW School immunisation program, please contact Albury PHU on 0260534800, press option 3.
Archive team vacancy
Are you interested in history? Think you might have the skills of an amateur detective and can spare a few hours on a weekly basis? The Archive Team is looking for you.
If you are interested please contact Noelle Oke, the school’s Honorary Archivist. For further information please email her at archives@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au or nokey@westnet.com.au Or leave a message at the school reception on 02 6022 0000 and Noelle will call you back.
