SATURDAY 28 JANUARY• 1st XI Cricket

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY•Boarder Chapel and Formal Dinner

MONDAY 30 JANUARY• Swimming Training 6.00am• Touch Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 3.15pm• Pipes and Drums 3.15pm• Town Volleyball Comp

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY• Basketball Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 7.00am• JAM Choir 8.00am• Interclan Volleyball 3.15pm• Arranmore Cricket 3.15pm• Sheep Club 3.15pm• Cattle Club 3.15pm

WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY• College ID Photos• Meet the Teacher Night Prep - Year 6• Swimming Training 6.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 3.15pm• Senior Sch0ol Musical/Dance 3.15pm

THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY• Basketball Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 7.00am• Robotics/Coding Club Yrs 3/4 7.45am• Cricket Training 3.15pm• Robotics Club Yrs 5 & 6 3.15pm• Sheep Club 3.15pm• Cattle Club 3.15pm

FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY• Prefects Storm King Dam• Swimming Training 6.00am• Pipes and Drums 7.30am• Senior School Swimming Carnival• Give-It-A-Go Netball

Dates:

Newsletter

TERM 1, WEEK 1

27 JANUARY 2017

Dear Parents and Carers

Co-educational Day & Boarding, Prep to Year 12

scotspgc.com.au

Principal Simon Shepherd with 2017 College Captains, Jacob Stiles and Annelise Ryan

Regards, Simon ShepherdPrincipal

Welcome to 2017. On Tuesday morning we had the chance to welcome the College back, induct our Prefects and share the College theme for the year. The start of the year really brings the school to life and it is fantastic to see so many old and new faces.

It was also great to welcome more parents to the Commencement Assembly for 2017. It would be fantastic to see more of you there in years to come. At the start of the year we have the chance to set the tone for the year ahead. At Speech Day we can reflect on the year that has been, but we can’t change the past. At Commencement Assembly we have the opportunity to align our compasses and all aim in the same direction, setting the course for the year ahead.

Some of you may have already noticed the College theme for 2017 on the Facebook page:

“I believe I can make a difference”We hope that in 2017 all of our students make a positive difference to all aspects of their lives. Mother Teresa is quoted as saying “We can do no great things, only small things with great love”.

As we start the year it is a time to revisit our strategic direction and reiterate how the College is moving forward. Over the last three years we have worked exceptionally hard to improve the academic outcomes for our students. This is an ongoing process and the impact of change does take time to be revealed. Our OP results for 2016 began to bear the fruits of this labour. We had our first OP 1 in 7 years. Congratulations Sarah Atkinson!

To ensure that all of our students are best prepared for life beyond school, we have to ensure that their education extends beyond the classroom. To this end we have changed the team and leadership opportunities for students at the College, revitalised our Co-Curricular programme and introduced a comprehensive outdoor education programme. Through these opportunities students get to learn more about themselves and their ability to interact with others.

Our College reflects the values of the Uniting Church and we also embed the values and character traits of integrity, courage, excellence, curiosity, caring and innovation. We expect appropriate behaviour, respect and empathy from our students. Over the last three years we have, unfortunately, had to cancel the enrolment of ten students who could not demonstrate appropriate respect for values of the College and all within it. Our Character Framework and Behaviour Management Ladders are publically displayed in all classrooms and it is the responsibility of the whole College to help our students use them as a guide.

Throughout 2016 we have reviewed our College’s operations and we are trying to ensure that our College is affordable to those who want to attend it. As such, later this year we will be releasing a new fee structure that we hope makes SCOTS PGC more accessible to those who value an holistic education.

As a College we are striving to make a difference and help all of our students fulfil their potential, becoming citizens of worth. I look forward to seeing how much of a positive difference we all make this year and I encourage you to talk about this theme with your children and discuss what making a difference would look like.

Junior, Middle and Senior School

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY

MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY• Year 7 Storm King Dam• ACER Scholarship applications close• Swimming Training 6.00am• Touch Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 3.15pm• Pipes and Drums 3.15pm• Town Volleyball Comp

TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY• Year 7 Storm King Dam• Basketball Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 7.00am• JAM Choir 8.00am• Interclan Volleyball 3.15pm• Arranmore Cricket 3.15pm• Sheep Club 3.15pm• Cattle Club 3.15pm

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY• Year 7 Storm King Dam• Swimming Training 6.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 3.15pm• Senior Scho0ol Musical/Dance 3.15pm

THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY• Basketball Training 7.00am• Gym/Circuit Training 7.00am• Robotics/Coding Club Yrs 3/4 7.45am• Cricket Training 3.15pm• Robotics Club Yrs 5 & 6 3.15pm• Sheep Club 3.15pm• Cattle Club 3.15pm

FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY• Swimming Training 6.00am• Pipes and Drums 7.30am• JAM Swimming Carnival (WIRAC)• Give-It-A-Go Netball

JAM Key DatesPrep to 6 - Meet the Teacher Night – 1st FebruaryDetails circulated via SEQTA message 24th January. Please direct any queries to the JAM office or class Teachers.

Year 7 Storm King Dam Camp – 6th – 8th FebruaryRefer correspondence sent 25th January with information pertaining to Camp. Please send signed permission forms back to Mrs Stone.

JAM Swimming Carnival – 10th FebruaryVenue: WIRAC. Please direct any queries to Mr Craymer.

Year 7 Vaccination Clinic – 14th February Refer correspondence from Mr Edgar dated 20th January. If you would like your child to be vaccinated please complete and sign the form in the information pack and return it to Mrs Stone in the JAM office by Thursday, 2nd February 2017.

Welcome back Junior and Middle School students and familiesHere’s to a year of academic rigor, fabulous co-curricular opportunities and exhilarating sporting and cultural events. Looking forward to seeing those who are able to attend at the ‘Meet the Teacher’ night on Wednesday 1st February.

A Message from our Chaplain.....

It is great to be back at the College. On Tuesday in the assembly Mr.Shepherd inspired the College community with his address when he reminded us of this year’s theme: I believe . . . I can make a difference. My devotion was also based on the theme and I would like to share some of those thoughts with you. I took the reading from Ephesians 5 selected verses:

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

SCOTS PGC College is an amazing, unique community of people, from the little ones in Prep to the seniors in Year 12, the parents and teachers. Like it or not, you share so much of your lives with each other. And you have the potential to be a very powerful influence for good in the lives of each other. Each of you can make a difference. Life is about the choices we make and embrace new possibilities. Our character, our relationships and the values by which we live are defined by the choices we make. What we achieve, and how well we succeed, will be shaped by the opportunities we take, the choices we make and the effort we put into doing things. What we need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn and to explore, because a lot of good and bad has to be worked out and discovered by ourselves. Jesus challenged others (and us today) to think about our lives and to use our lives to care for others and in doing so we make a difference. Let us base our lives on the priorities of what is good, right and true, for ourselves, all those whom we love, and for the community we shape together here at SCOTS PGC . . . and make a difference in this world. Here is a short poem to close with (author unknown)

"Build a better world", said God.

And I asked, "How? The world is such a vast place and so complicated, I am small and useless . . . What can I do?"

God in all His wisdom said, "Just build a better you - and you will make a difference."

May the Bourke Street massacre in Melbourne be a reminder of what it means to make bad choices.

Blessings - Rev Willie

College Photographs 1st February 2017

College ID Photographs will be taken on Wednesday 1st February. All students from Prep to Year 12 are required to have an individual photograph taken.

Formal summer uniform is to be worn, including blazer and tie for Year 7 to 12. Boys need only wear shorts, long trousers not required.

Year 12 Information

On Monday evening, an information session was held for parents of Year 12 students, in which we addressed some of the particular issues that can affect students in this most important year.

Any parents who missed the session, and who would like to find out what they missed out on, feel free to email Nigel Grant (nigel.grant@scotspgc.com.au) for a copy of the PowerPoint we spoke to.

Co-Curricular News and Events

A Message from the Director of Co-curricular - Russell Craymer

A warm welcome back to all parents and students, I hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing break. From the outset I would like to encourage all students to find a balance between their academic studies and participation in co-curricular activities in 2017. There is an excellent variety of co-curricular opportunities at SCOTS PGC and the benefits of being involved in these activities are well documented but cannot be underestimated.

CO-CURRICULAR SIGN ONMany hours of time can be spent chasing permissions and pieces of paper and in 2017 we will be starting a system that requires very little paper work and allows for co-curricular nominations to be completed by students Year 7-12 and parents for Prep to 6 respectively.

This week students and parents will be asked to sign on for Term One sports and activities through Survey Monkey. There will be links provided on SEQTA for both students and parents. Prompt replies to these sign-ons are essential. Subsequently throughout the year when co-curricular events take place Survey Monkey will be used for nomination. Links for the various Term One sign ons can also be found below.

Term One Sign On Links

Primary Sign On (Prep- Year 6) - Please click here

Senior Sign On (Year 7- Year 12) - Please click here

SWIMMING This year our swimming squad will again train with Andrew Fidge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Students born in 2008 and older and are capable squad swimmers are welcome to participate in the squad training programme at a cost covered by the school. Unfortunately, after the completion of our Primary and Senior swimming carnivals in Term One (Week 3), only those students who have been selected to compete at Southern Downs, Border District and QCIS swimming carnivals will continue to train as part of the school squad. Those students, who have not qualified for these carnivals, are welcome to continue swimming with Andrew Fidge, but will do so at a cost negotiated with Andrew himself. All swimmers (born 2008 and older) are welcome to continue training in the school squad in Term Four, as part of our pre-season programme.

The Senior Interclan Swimming Carnival will take place on Friday 3rd February at the Allora Pool with the Primary Interclan Swimming Carnival held the following Friday at WIRAC. Letters will go home to all students and parents with specific information about these carnivals early next week. Senior students will be invited to nominate for events this week during Clan meetings. It is important to remember that our Interclan carnivals are not just about elite athletes. It is a great opportunity for all students to participate and demonstrate their Clan spirit by getting involved and competing to the best of their ability.

SPORTS UNIFORMThe College has had a consolidated sports uniform and a very smart tracksuit for nearly 18 months now. All students travelling to and from co-curricular activities are expected to be appropriately attired in their sports uniform and the College track suit.

SEQTAIt is important that both parents and students check the SEQTA Notices regularly as all information regarding the co-curricular programme will be published here. This includes the weekly fixtures and activities schedules. Nomination links for Border District, Southern Downs and other represented sports will also be found in the notices.

COMMUNICATIONWith an extensive co-curricular programme, communication is very important. It is essential should have any questions regarding the co-curricular programme that you contact me as soon as possible.

Director of Co-Curricular Activities Russell Craymer Mob: 0412 984 636Email: sport@scotspgc.com.au

Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Activities Lauren QuinlanEmail: sport@scotspgc.com.au

RegardsRussell Craymer Director of Co-curricular Activities

JUNIOR NETBALL

A fantastic team sport for girls and boys. Ages born 2012 – 2003.Fixtures & Training Saturday afternoons. Sign-on day Saturday 11th Feb 10am – 1pm. Season commences 18th February 2017

Four age divisions- NetSetGo Netters 5-7years- NetSetGo Setters 8 & 9years- Junior B 10 & years- Junior A 12 – 14years

Please visit our Facebook page for full details.https://www.facebook.com/warwicknetball/Or ring Linda Bunch 0407 734 380

Netball is a wonderful team sport (no individual pressures). We are promoting learning and skill building with fellow players in a positive sportsmanship and enjoyable environment.

Our focus at Junior Fixtures level is assisting the players to develop their skills whilst gaining an understanding of all positions on the court and the overall game of netball.

SCOTS PGC College Sport Fixtures

WEEK 1 FIXTURES WEEK 1 FIXTURES

SATURDAY 28TH JANUARYVENUE TRANSPORT CATERING

Morning Tea and Lunch Provided

For wet weather information please check our facebook page or ring Mr Craymer.

www.facebook.com/scotspgc P. 0412 984 636

WEEK 1 FIXTURES

CRICKET

Open Boys 9:00am Downlands Briggs Oval Students are asked to assemble at Briggs Oval at 8:00am

SCOTS PGC College Co-Curricular Training/Rehearsal/Activities Program

Monday 30th Tuesday 31st Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Friday 3rdSwimming Squad Gym/Circuit Training Swimming Squad Gym/Circuit Training Swimming Squad

(WIRAC) (WIRAC) (WIRAC)

Touch Training Basketball Training Basketball Training Pipes and Drums

(Briggs Oval) (7:30am-8:30am)

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1:00pm- 1:30pm Musical Rehearsal

Gym/Circuit Training Interclan Volleyball Gym/Circuit Training Open Cricket Training

Sheep Club

Pipes and Drums Musical Rehearsal Musical Rehearsal Sheep Club

Cattle Club Cattle Club

Monday 30th Tuesday 31st Wednesday 1st Thursday 2nd Friday 3rdSwimming Squad Swimming Squad Swimming Squad

(WIRAC) (WIRAC) (WIRAC)

JAM Choir (8:00-8:30am) Coding/Robotics Yr3/Yr4 Pipes and Drums

(Year 1 Room) (7:45am- 8:30am) (WALEC Library) (7:30am-8:30am)

Arranmore GIG Netball

(Buss Oval) Sheep Club (U6/U8- 3:30pm-4:45pm)

Pipes and Drums Sheep Club Coding/Robotics Yr5/Yr6 (U10/U12- 4:45pm-6:00pm)

(WALEC Library) (WALEC Courts)

WEEK 2 SENIOR CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMTIME

Befo

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6:00am - 7:30am

3:30pm - 5:00pm

7:00am - 8:00am

Afte

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3:15pm - 4:30pm

WEEK 2 PRIMARY CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMTIME

Befo

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6:00am - 7:30am

7:00am - 8:00am

scotspgc.com.au

Co-Curricular News and Events

SCOTS PGC College

Co-Curricular Training/Rehearsal/Activities Programme