Nearly 40 people from the Scots community will spend the next seven days braving whatever weather conditions are thrown at them for the duration of the Great Victorian Bike Ride from Orbost to Wonthaggi.

The riders are a mix of students, parents and staff who have been training for the event for the past two terms. 

The event is not a race and the route changes every year, but the one constant is that it's an experience; it tests more than a rider's athletic ability. It tests their organisation, perseverance, determination and the ability to go with the flow. 

Teacher Jane Mackinlay, who is doing her second consecutive event, said they would be wiser for last year's experience.

"You can train for the kilometres on the bike so that is a known quantity, but we will be a lot more savvy about the campsite arrangements and how to ensure the kids are organised even while they are exhausted," she said. "You have to be as camping on an event like this is one of the challenges - the line-ups for meals, getting your gear on to the truck each morning, taking things like pegs to dry your cycling kit - the little things that make such a difference."

Ms Mackinlay said the most satisfying aspect of the week-long bike ride was the camaraderie between all the riders and how tight-knit the Scots group became over the week.

Riders include: Claire Abbott, Anthony Alessi, Lisa Barry, Lucy Barry, Charlie Baxter, Fin Bready, Eddie Butko, Mick Butko, Sara Butko, Bec Cardile, Georgie Cardile, Jack Clancy, Nash Clark, Will Douglas, Harry Ellis, Jarra Grover, Jacob Hanna, Sommers Hogan, Heather Joyce, Wil King, Margherita Luchesi, Jane Mackinlay, Isabelle Martin, Sophia Martin, Kirsten McLennan, Jason Milgate, Poppy Millgate Kimball, Fergus Monaghan, Phoebe Packer, Hannah Planting, Bec Plowman, Jack Plowman, Kaylee Rule, Jimmy Shannon, Georgina Sockett. 

The Scots Helidrop, one of the most exciting fundraising adventures we have ever attempted, is looming closer and is now only a week away. 

One thousand numbered golf balls will be dropped onto Wilson Oval from a helicopter flying at super-low altitude and with extreme precision. Wilson Oval will be adorned with small flags denoting the many fantastic prizes to be won. When the golf balls drop, the one closest to each Prize Flag wins that prize.

The Scots Helidrop will take place on Friday 1 December and the prizes are to die for. Our School community has really humbled us with their donations enabling us to assemble a fantastically diverse range of prizes. There really is, as the saying goes, something for everyone. 

The impetus for this fundraiser is our new Junior School. Construction is set to start next year on a new facility that will give our youngest learners a modern, purpose-built physical home to expand their knowledge and meet their social and emotional needs; something that will stand the test of time in years to come. 

Who wouldn’t want to win one of these fantastic prizes:

• Your choice of $5000 off your school fees at Scots OR $2000 cash 
• Helicopter return flight from Albury Airport to All Saints Estate in Rutherglen where you will enjoy a long lunch for four adults - Valued at $3800 with thanks to Rotor Solutions Australia and JC Butko Engineering. 
• Laptop to the value of $2000, with thanks to Micro Tech DPS 
• Full vehicle valet, with paint and interior protection treatment valued at $1850 with thanks to Baker Motors 
• Full set of Falken car tyres, fitted and balanced, valued up to $1000 thanks to Jappo Donks Tyres, Wheels and Batteries 
• One night’s accommodation at Circa Albury valued at $595; with thanks to the Yaxley and Wright Families 
• Four tickets to any day of the 2023 Boxing Day Cricket Test in Melbourne or the 2023 New Year's Test in Sydney valued up to $800; with thanks to Cricket Albury Wodonga 
• Tonkin Care Package (residential) valued at $600; with thanks to Tonkin Group 
• Voucher for two adults to enjoy the “Pop&Fizz” Pizzini Winery Experience valued at $150; with thanks to Pizzini Wines. 
• One night’s accommodation at The Loft Yarrawonga valued at $500; with thanks to the Hawley Family 
• 2 x $50 APCO fuel vouchers

Tickets are $50 each. Order yours via the QR code or online HERE or in person at the Senior and Junior School receptions.

Year 10 is currently leading the race for the Zambrero Year Level Prize on raw number of tickets sold in the Helidrop and assigned to a Year Level. It is closely followed by Year 1, Year 5, Year 2 and Year 9.

Once the Helidrop is over, the highest average number of tickets sold per student will be determined the winner. By averaging the ticket sales per student numbers in the Year Level, we ensure all classes are treated equally, whatever the size of the year level.

Assigning your ticket purchases to a Year Level is as simple as ticking the box on Humanitix at the time of purchasing. If you purchased a ticket before the Class promotion started, you can have your ticket assigned to a year level retrospectively. Email marketing@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au 

The Zambrero Class Prize has been kindly donated by Kim and Daniel Hawley.

Year 1 student Theodore Acton-Adams already thinks his dad has the best job in the world! 

Just imagine how proud Theodore will be in a few years’ time when he looks back to see what an impact his parents, Hugh and Monique, had on the evolution of the new Scots Junior School through the Scots Helidrop fundraiser and how envious he will be when he realises that his dad, Chief Pilot Hugh, will have some help from Santa!

With special permission from CASA to fly below regulation height over Scots, Hugh and Santa will drop 1000 numbered golf balls  on Wilson Oval and the nearest ball to the prize flags wins that prize, is the most unique and exciting fundraiser the school has ever undertaken. 

The generous donation of Hugh and Monique, who have a unique capacity to provide not only the helicopter and pilot to do the “drop” but were happy to provide one of the feature prizes of a helicopter flight to and from All Saints Estate in Rutherglen. At the winery, the winner will feast on a long lunch donated by JC Butko Engineering. 

The event is shaping up to be loads of fun for everyone, with school carols to follow that evening. With special permission from CASA to fly below regulation height over Scots, when Chief Pilot Hugh drops the balls on Wilson Oval, he might even have some help from Santa!

Tickets are $50 and available HERE.

Whether your child is in the Scots Junior School or the Senior School, $5000 off your fees will be welcome relief in the current cost of living environment. Even if you don't have a single student at Scots, $2000 in cash will be a welcome addition to your wallet for Christmas shopping.

Scots came into being as an independent coeducational day and boarding school in 1972 following the amalgamation of Albury Grammar School and Woodstock Presbyterian Girls’ School. Through its founding schools, Scots is one of the oldest schools in New South Wales and the oldest regional boarding school in the State.

We enjoy a beautiful 11-hectare campus in central Albury, with modern facilities that enable specialised learning experiences and outstanding opportunities.

Get your tickets HERE.

Community Foundation member James Tonkin has thrown his company’s weight behind the Scots Helidrop with a generous Tonkin Home Care package donation that will mean the winning household is set for 2024 in home servicing. 

James bought Tonkin Plumbing from his parents in 2015 after moving through the ranks from his early days as an apprentice plumber. The business has expanded exponentially on his watch; moving into the provision of air conditioning, roofing and electrical tradespeople and re-branding as Tonkin Group. 

“As plumbers we were working alongside other trades on the job and we were always relying on them to fulfil their end, so we could do ours,” James explained. “We just felt it was a better outcome for our clients if we had more control over all the trades.” 

Throughout the expansion, James has built on the good name his father established and now Tonkin Group has one of the best reputations for client communications and staff satisfaction in Albury. 

“We create an environment for our staff to show entrepreneurship; provide them with the opportunities to be passionate and inspired and to have meaningful career opportunities, which is not all that common in the trades. 

One of the many other tasks James fulfills at Tonkin Group is managing the area of Strategic Partnerships, so when his eldest child Jack (now Year 4) started at Scots in 2019, James was keen to build a relationship with the school and he’s been a staunch supporter ever since. 

It’s a relationship set to continue for many years with Louis due to start Kindergarten next year. 

The Tonkin Care Package includes servicing of an air conditioner and heating unit, a roof inspection and clean as well as testing and replacing smoke alarms. 

Tickets for the Helidrop are available at HERE.

Kit and Genevieve Hawley’s parents have generously donated a night’s accommodation at The Loft, their highly sought-after rental accommodation in the beating heart of Yarrawonga. 

Kit (Year 2) and Genevieve (Kindergarten) have many years ahead of them to enjoy the new Scots Junior School, prompting parents Kim and Daniel Hawley to get firmly behind the Helidrop fundraiser. 

The apartment is located on the main street, above restaurants and shops, and only a three minute walk to the water’s edge.

“We bought the building about a year ago which houses Zambrero downstairs and the apartment upstairs,” Kim said. 

“It’s a beautiful old 1877 building with original fireplaces and we have renovated it in keeping with its era. It’s a three-bedroom apartment so most of our guests are groups who are in town for weddings or, in the summer, have come for the water activities."

Kim manages the apartment and likes to add a personal touch by offering a gorgeous homemade breakfast hamper, an array of teas and coffee and will organise a bbq pack on request at a cost per person from the local butcher so that your dinner can be ready and waiting for you to cook! 

One lucky person will win a night’s accommodation valued at $500 when their golf ball number comes up.

The Butko brothers, Michael (Class of 1996) and Paul (Class of 2000) have six very good reasons to get behind the Scots Helidrop - their children. 

Michael and Jane’s children - Bill (Year 10) and Sara (Year 9) and Eddie (Year 7) have been at Scots since Preschool so they have been invested in the School for many, many years. 

Paul and Emma are at the other end of their Scots journey with Henry (Year 1), Oliver (Preschool) and Arabella, who will commence Preschool in 2026.

Through the family company JC Butko Engineering, the brothers have supported Scots at every opportunity. 

“Scots is such a beautiful community,” Emma said. “The teaching staff are so wonderful and dedicated to the students, they deserve to be in a really great building. We just want to do everything we can to help it come to fruition. We have many years ahead of us for our children to enjoy a new Junior School and, of course, my husband went through Scots from Preschool so we are really invested.” 

JC Butko is as much a part of Albury-Wodonga as it is of Scots. It was established in the mid 1970s by Paul and Michael’s parents and has grown to be a facility comprising over 8,000 square metres of factory space, 300 square metres of administration area and employs over 140 local people. 

The company works on projects Australia wide, specialising in stainless steel and mild steel fabrication. Recently, they have completed works on the Westgate Tunnel Project and Sydney Gateway Project at Sydney Airport. 

JC Butko has donated a long lunch at All Saints Winery, packaging the prize with a helicopter flight for the winners from Albury to All Saints Estate, donated by Rotor Solutions Australia.

Class of 2010 student Zac Simmonds has donated a full set of Falken tyres to the Helidrop through his business Jappo Donks Tyres, Wheels and Batteries.

Jappo Donks has a broad range of tyres in stock at any one time, with something to suit everyone’s budget. They stock Falken tyres as well as many others including Maxxis, Nexen, Continental, Pirelli and General to name a few.

They have tyres for 4WD vehicles, as well as passenger, light truck, boat trailer and even some tractors. They offer some of the most competitive pricing on the border but their biggest point of difference is that no appointment is necessary. You really can just drive in and have your new tyres fitted on the spot!

All tyres sold retail will be fitted and balanced, which is included in the cost of the tyre.

Jappo Donks uses the latest Corghi Tyre Fitting and Balancing machines, renowned as being amongst the best in the world and is happy to take your old tyres for environmentally friendly disposal.

"The Scots School Albury has played a significant role in shaping Alexia and Zoe Franco's educational journey,” Michael and Kristy said. “We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the educational community at Scots. 

Family support as donors and from those who purchase a ticket is the very reason Scots has such a strong community. Every Scots family wants the School to succeed; they want their children in a School where community matters and, they are happy to dip their hands into their pockets to help that happen. 

Microtech DPS already has a robust partnership with Scots - the Microtech team has managed Print services at Scots for more than 15 years. 

The IT company, offers everything from full scale IT implementation to project based implementation or procurement. 

It surely is every parent’s dream to win a laptop in this era where students need to BYO their device for school. The laptop donated by Microtech DPS will be to the value of $2000.

Scots Community Foundation member David Baker believes there is nothing more natural that a fourth generation business such as Baker Motors supporting the Scots Helidrop, a fundraising venture for Albury’s oldest boarding school. 

It is the kind of symbiotic relationship that makes both organisations crucial to the very fabric of existence in regional cities like Albury. 

“It’s necessary to have a school like Scots in the region to compete with the bigger Melbourne Schools and it gives locals looking for a strong education an alternative to moving away from home,” David said. 

“Baker Motors likes to invest in our local community and we see the Helidrop as an important opportunity to invest in the future of Scots.” 

The Helidrop is the Foundation’s major 2023 fundraiser and will help fund the construction of a new Junior School on the Young Street site in central Albury. 

David was enticed onto the Foundation as an immediate past parent and whose father was an alumni of Scots. Oddly, David and his siblings attended Albury High School at their mother’s behest but all of David’s three children, Evangeline (Class of 2012), Dominic (Class of 2015) and India (Class of 2018) were Scots students. 

“I was approached to join the board at Scots, but I thought I could value-add to a much higher degree by being on the Foundation, which is a think tank for fundraising ideas. Through each Foundation member’s networks, we are able to increase philanthropic giving.” 

Baker Motors has donated to the Helidrop prize pool a full vehicle valet, with paint and interior protection treatment, valued at $1850.

If cricket is your sport, we have you covered. Thanks to Cricket Albury Wodonga, we have four tickets to any day of the 2023 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne or the 2024 New Years Test in Sydney valued up to $800 as one of the prizes in the in the Helidrop.

Accommodation and travel is not included.

Our best under-17 basketballers will head to the Gold Coast tomorrow to represent the School in the Australian School Championships (ASC). 

It’s the first time a Scots team has entered the week-long round robin competition that attracts schools from every State and Territory. A team was preparing for the competition in 2020 but the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Coach Lochlan Cummings, who is the School’s basketball coordinator, said the ASC provided a great pathway for students aspiring to higher levels of the game. Cummings competed in the ASC when he was in school and now, as a Bandits player, remembers the benefits the higher level of competition afforded him in his formative years. He is keen to replicate that experience for our Scots students. 

“It is a great inspiration for the students and provides them with a pathway to high-level basketball,” he said. “We’ve been training since Term 3 in sessions before school and the training has been at another level up to our normal team preparations for local competitions. We really needed to prepare for increasingly competitive games. 

“We held two try-outs where we put the students through drills and skills, we saw how they worked together from a team perspective and looked for those wanting to put in the work.” 

The team comprises: Year 8: Billy Whitfield. Year 9: Rylan Frazer, Ted Williams, Aiden Nicolson, Will Burke. Year 10: Harry Dean, Sunny Murphy, Ty Salter, Oliver Hutchins and Will Dickins.

Maisey Player (Year 7), Thomas Mack (Year 7) and Thomas Toepfer (Year 6) have been on fire on the basketball court this year, gaining selection in the Basketball NSW D-League competition and the NSW Country team to play in the Australian Country Cup in Albury in January.

The D-League is a basketball NSW innovation aimed at identifying talented players who are competing within the NSW Spalding Waratah Junior Leagues and assist with their development by having them train and play against each other in a tournament-style environment. 

Player and Toepfer were selected in the Under-14 girls and boys competition and Mack made the grade

in the under-15 boys competition. 

Traits that coaches were looking for when they selected the D-League teams included outstanding potential to compete at a higher level, superior athletic ability, demonstrated attitude to become an exceptional basketball player and being highly receptive to coaching. 

The three athletes have become accustomed to the regular long distance travel, although Mack is additionally committed to high level football which ensures he is on the road even more frequently than most. 

For basketball, Mack was part of the NSW country under-14 team playing in the Southern Cross challenge in January and his Albury representative team, which includes Toepfer, played between Albury, Canberra and Wollongong in the Southern Junior League competition. The team won the competition and went on to compete in the State Cup in Terrigal in August. 

After trials for the NSW high performance program in Maitland, Mack was selected for the under-15 Talented Athlete Program (TAP) training camp in Sydney in August, the Under-15 D League in October and then an under 15 ‘shoot out’ league in January next year. He also juggles footy commitments, playing for Lavington in the Ovens and Murray league and training with the Giants academy squad. 

He and fellow student, Harry McDonald, made the Super 24 Giants academy team and played in Coffs Harbour during the September holidays.

The Scots Junior Debating team has made it through to the Grand Final of the Junior Division of the Australian National Virtual Debating competition. The Grand Final match will be held next week.

Good luck to the team of: Amy Hayes (Year 8), Isabelle Martin (Year 8), Ike Finlayson (Year 7) and Xavier Clancy (Year 7).

BISSA Water Polo Report • Luke Pendlebury, Scots Water Polo Sports Ambassador

The Scots Boys Water Polo team achieved an undefeated streak at The Scots School BISSA Water Polo Gala Day, securing victories against Xavier, Mater Dei, and a thrilling grand final win against Trinity. It was a great team effort, with everyone pulling together in the Grand Final to ensure the win. Our girls played with great spirit, and they will benefit greatly from the experience. They played against much older opponents, showing courage at all times and came away with a great win against Mater Dei. 

We appreciate the students whose dedication and enthusiasm made the day a success. The Water Polo Gala Day not only showcased sporting excellence but also highlighted the strong sense of community at Scots. A special thanks to Mr Clark, Ms Mackinlay and Pippa Milthorpe for their help and organisation to ensure the day was a success.

Results:
Boys Game 1: Defeated Xavier (10-3)
Boys Game 2: Defeated Mater Dei (9-2)
Boys Game 3: Defeated Trinity (3-2)

Girls Game 1: Defeated by Xavier (2-11)
Girls Game 2: Defeated Mater Dei (7-5)
Girls Game 3: Defeated by Trinity (5-10)

Teams 
Girls: Sammy Walch (C), Poppy Kettlewell (C), Sara Butko, Millie Wilkerson, Olivia Brooks, Sienna McFarlane, George Barr- Smith, Annabel Cavagna, Georgie Ledger, Camilla Crapp.

Boys: Luke Pendlebury (C), Ben Pendlebury, Callum Cooper, Odin Cooper, Finn McDonell, Will Maguire, Jack Clancy, Billy Butko, Hector James, Seamus Bready, Eddie Butko, Archie Showers

As teachers, we often ask ourselves ‘What does student engagement look like?’ More often than not it is the students in our classrooms that provide us with the answers.

This term in Year 7 English, students have explored the novel Trash by British author Andy Mulligan. The novel deals with challenging issues including poverty and corruption in third world countries. One of the elements we have focused on is the role of point of view as the story is told by multiple characters and in multiple ways.

To showcase their learning, students were asked to craft and compose a podcast and were required to evaluate how the novel engaged

readers. 

Special kudos to Lucy Barr-Smith who exhibited great initiative in her approach! Lucy took the plunge, made contact with the author and invited him to be a guest in her podcast. He agreed! 

Imagine our delight when Lucy shared her zoom interview with the author with us! Andy was warm and generous with his time and Lucy was exceptional in her questioning. 

Congratulations to Lucy for her endeavours and we can all reflect on the power of having a go. After all, you never know!

- Sommer Monaghan

What a great Christmas party the Pipe Band had at The Lincoln. It was great to see so many parents, friends and Alumni at our biggest celebration so far, with over 70 people in attendance.

This was an unbelievable year for the band. One that may never be surpassed. World Champions, Champion of Champions, World Solo Tenor Drummer Champion along with all the Victorian, ACT, Australian championship wins by our players. 

I am so proud of all of you and to be part of this very special year. A big thanks to Tom for all his hard work, dedication and assistance this year. 

At the function, we said farewell to our only Year 12 student Josh Niuila. Josh was presented with a very special Sgain Dubh as is tradition. This year the Sgain Dubhs were handcrafted by Jonny Coe. A big thank you to Jonny for his hard work with this. 

Sgain Dubh were also presented to Pipe Sergeant Angus Beath (Class of 1995) and Jess Coe (Class of 2011). These two Alumni pipers received their Sgain Dubh for their enormous contributions over the past few years and all their assistance with REMT 2023. 

Two more very special Sgain Dubhs were presented to Pipers Doug McRae and Hamish Hare. Although these two pipers are not Scots Alumni, they have been involved with the band for the past decade. Both have played at all our fundraising concerts, REMT 2017 and 2023. Many parades and competitions over the past decade have assisted the band getting to where we are today. 

We also farewelled Drum Major Max Coupland and past Lead Tenor Tegan Forge. We wish all our departing students good luck in the future and look forward to seeing them in the circle. 

Please find the link to our yearly presentation video. A big shout out to Liam and Damon for their efforts with this. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrVvdmi-ohk

Winners of our Special Awards: 

Victorian Heritage Cultural Scottish Foundation Scholarship of $500: Saxon Coffey
The 2023 MVP winner, perpetual trophy, glass trophy and scholarship of $500: Arifa Rizvi

Congratulations to the newly elected 2024 Pipe Band Leadership Team
Pipe Major Liam Nicolson
Pipe Sergeant Jonny Coe
Pipe Corporals Bianca Sparkes and Saxon Coffey
Drum Sergeant Damon Wright
Drum Corporal Storm Tanuvasa
Lead Tenor Arifa Rizvi

IOK

Year 12 2023 student, Lylah Ellao, has just written and illustrated her first book Iok, which the library has purchased. It is a gorgeous story of a koi fish and his adventures. The drawings are beautiful as is the message conveyed. Lylah also won the poetry section of the recent Write Around the Murray competition, winning the library $100.00 which we put to good use, purchasing a new laminator after ours starting “smoking” a while back. 

Congratulations, Lylah on this huge achievement of your first published work and we all look forward to following your creative journey in the years to come. 

Year 12 Graduation

The Year 12 grad has come and gone. It was a fun night and all the grads looked fabulous, especially 12 LMA! Congratulations to Year 12 on a remarkable set of achievements in 2023. It is very quiet without you all in the library each day.

Library returns

Please check at home and in school bags for any library books and return them asap before the end of the year.

Homework - After school

The library is open after school for homework. Students are reminded to come straight to the library after the bell.

Hours

Monday-Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm Junior School Homework club
Monday-Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm Senior School Tutored study, and 4.30pm – 5.30pm Senior School Independent study
Friday - closed.