The Thistle 1st Edition 2014

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Edition 1, 2014
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Newsletter o
Blue, Black & Gold Ball, November 2013
Front row (L to R): Anne Christie, Stacey Callan, Tess McPhee. 2nd row: Stef Schultz,
Kyle Skinner, Jessica McGrath. 3rd row: Alayne White, Caitlin McDermid, Brooke
Cowan, Jeremy Callan. 4th row Kaitlin Wright, Madeleine Conyers, Alex Bird.
5th row: Barry Nott , Dylan Brown, Sam Ireland. 6th row: Nick Powell, Simon Howe,
Scott Eastment. Back row: David Flude, Michael Inwood, Gavin Dickenson, Ian Quant.
The Scots School • Bathurst & Lithgow • Telephone: 02 6331 2766 • www.scots.nsw.edu.au
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Academic Excellence
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Indiv idual Attention
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Diverse O ppor tunitie
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Academic Excellence
At the AGM it was decided that
we will have two new functions each
year. These are simple functions
at which our members can get
together and share a meal and a
few drinks. The functions are open
to everyone from all years. The
first function will be held out west
each year and this year we are going
to hold it at The Rabbit Trap Hotel
@ Albert. Gordon Larkings has kindly
offered to be our organiser. The second
event will be held in Sydney. Details
of both events will be following shortly
on the Old Boys and Girls Association
Facebook page. I encourage you all to
make the effort. To our Sydney members
you are most welcome to attend the
western function and vice versa. This
is an easy way to stay involved.
As many of you would be aware
the whole school community is
currently behind the building of a new
multipurpose Pavilion to be located next
to the flag pole on the bank of the main
oval. At our AGM it was decided that
the Association would give its full support
and backing to the Pavilion building
project. I would encourage any member
who would like to make a tax deductible
donation to go to the School website and
go to the Pavilion Building Project tab
or the Pavilion Donation letter. With
the end of financial year coming up it is
a great way to help with taxation issues.
You can contact the following:
indsay Wilde 0408 474 995
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lindsay.wilde@tpg.com.au
enevieve Spence 0400 446 219
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treasurerscotspfa@gmail.com
Another area in which we are making
major gains is the appointment of year
reps. We now have 33 different years
represented across all years. This is a
great achievement but there is still more
to find. These year reps are out building
databases for their year. Day by day we
are reconnecting with more and more
Indiv idual Attention
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D i v e r s e O p p o r t u ni t
That was then…
President’s Report
Welcome to 2014, this year promises to
be a very busy year for our Association
and its members. I would encourage
you all to get involved with your
Association and reach out to your old
school mates and your school, you just
might be surprised at what you will find.
Reflecting back on 2013, it was
certainly a progressive year across
many fronts. Reunions were had by
seven different year groups and I am
sure everyone enjoyed catching up
with their mates. On some of the
occasions, reunions were held at the
school and it was a great way to get
re-acquainted with the school as well.
The second edition Thistle 2013 had
many wonderful reports on the
reunions and if you are interested in
reading them they can still be viewed
on the school website.
Another highlight was the Blue
Black and Gold Ball held in November
last year. There were many Old Boys
and Girls present. The photo on
the front cover of this edition is a
wonderful photo. This is going to
become an annual photo event taken
at 9pm each year in the foyer at the
ball. It would be great to see the
numbers swell over coming years so
that the whole staircase is full. It was
a pleasure to meet up with Dr Frank
Hunter, Old Boy, 1964 who attended
with his wife. When you see Old Boys
from years gone by make the effort
to attend functions like the ball, you
realise the passion people have for
their old friends and school.
Moving forward to 2014, the year is
already up and running with quite a
few things already having happened.
The AGM was held in March and was
a successful meeting. It was a pleasure
to be re-elected as President and also
to see Tess McPhee re-elected as Vice
President. We have a committee that
is enthusiastic and ready to get things
done. It was encouraging to see some
new faces as well as some old faces at
the meeting.
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The Model Farm Piggery
Agriculture celebrates 60 Years
Old Boys and Girls. If you have not
been contacted by your year rep then it
probably means your year does not have
one. So please contact me if you can
assist in this area.
There are some reunions already being
organised for this year. If your year is
currently organising one independently
of the Association we would love to
know about it. We have spoken about
holding some reunions on the Ball
weekend. This would be a wonderful
way to see the school in action and also
help support our major function each
year which is The Ball. Now is a great
time to start thinking about putting a
table together for this year’s Ball for
the 8th of November.
If any Old Boy or Girl would like
to contact the Association:
Ian Quant (Old Boy1985)
President
0410 480 558
ian.quant@doylebros.com.au
Tess McPhee (Old Girl 2008)
Vice President
0439 024 462
tessmcphee@me.com
Finally I would like to wish everyone
a safe and happy 2014. In gratitude,
Ian Quant (Old Boy 1985)
President, The Scots School Old Boys
& Girls Association
Passing through Shed City along
Littlebourne Street suggests that
The Scots School is an industrial
environment, but the heritage of the
Karalee site is very much rural. Nearly
200 years ago, William Lee, whose
family later built Karralee, was granted
land for a farm at Kelso. In 1953, the
then Headmaster of Scots, Mr. Alan
Mitchell, and the Chairman of the
school council, Rev. Alan Dougan,
undertook a trip around western New
South Wales, and became convinced
that the location of Scots and the
heritage of the site made it a good place
for the teaching of Agriculture as a
subject, and the operation of a school
farm. Thus, in 1954, Mr Harold Haynes
was appointed as Agriculture teacher,
meaning that in 2014 we celebrate
60 years of Agriculture as a teaching
subject at Scots.
There is evidence of a few animals
living on the Scots grounds before
1954. However, from 1954 onwards
The Model Farm became home to a
dairy and piggery. In 1967, Agriculture
Prefect Philip Wythes reported the
stock holdings as follows:
Karralee Friesian Stud :
1 bull , 25 milkers, 10 dry cows,
15 young heifers.
Karralee Berkshire Pig Stud :
6 breeding sows, 1 boar, 10
young boars, 15 young sows.
Scots Dorset Horn Stud :
95 ewes, 3 rams, 20 ram lambs.
40 acre commercial lucerne
area , 7 acre market garden.
Betty Ives has a story
that has not made it into
the official history. One
day the dairy cows got
out of their paddock into
a pit on the property of the school’s
neighbour Mr. Edwin Ray, into which he
had disposed of a number of apples from
his orchard that were not usable. The
apples had fermented into apple cider,
explaining why the cows were leaning
against the fence, and were quite sozzled.
In a twist almost out of a television
sitcom, this happened to be the day that
the Department of Agriculture Herd
Inspector was coming to test the milk,
which would have had something of an
alcohol percentage in it!
A combination of factors led to the sale
of the equipment from The Model Farm
in 1973, but Agriculture as a subject
continued to be taught, and still is today.
In 1986, Mr. David Crofts was appointed
as Agricultural Science teacher. He
began the school farm anew, and resumed
the showing of Scots animals at the Royal
Easter show. A number of the school’s
parents assisted with the acquisition of
stock for the new farm. The Green family
(Stuart was School Captain in 1988) of
Rhonda Villa near Cowra contributed
to the development of the Hereford
herd, and Mr John Muir (father of
Matthew, 1982-1987) contributed to the
development of a merino sheep flock from
his renowned Raby stud near Warren.
With Mr Crofts retiring, Mrs Libby
Dawes arrived at Scots in 2009, and
continued the practical educational
program of the Ag Farm and Agricultural
Science curriculum. Angus, Limousins,
Charolais and Speckle Park cattle have
joined the Herefords, but the success rate
has continued to be very high, with the
school winning a number of enviable
prizes at the Royal Easter Show and
Central Western regional shows over the
past few years. Mrs Dawes also brought
her tremendous enthusiasm for equestrian
with her, and since 2013, horses have
again been on the Karralee site – John Lee
having been a breeder of thoroughbred
race horses in the late 19th Century.
While it is not possible to mention
everyone associated with Agricultural
Science and the school farm, mention
should be made of Peter Flude
(grandfather of Samuel, Georgia and
Charles) who was the farm manager from
1966. Kerwin Perry, a former student of
the school who was employed to carry out
a number of tasks on the farm. Mr Bill
Marshall, who taught Agricultural Science
1985-1993, and is a current parent. Most
of all, has been the contribution of the
Ray family, the school’s much valued
neighbours of over seven decades: the
official name of the farm is the Edwin
Ray Agricultural Complex. Miss Lorna
Ray was a most enthusiastic supporter
of the Hereford stud from 1986, making
available some unused paddocks on her
property for the school to use.
Happy birthday Ag Department!
Mr A. Maher
The Model Farm Dairy
2 | The Thistle
The Thistle | 3
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The Scots School is a Special Place
Betty Ives – 50 years of association
with The Scots School
David Gates, Headmaster at The Scots
School Bathurst, said ‘It was good to be
able acknowledge Mrs Betty Ives’ 50 year
association with The Scots School and
to reaffirm her value as ‘Highly Esteemed
Visitor to the School.’ Mrs Ives was
presented with a gift and flowers from the
school at the recent Highland Gathering.
Mrs Ives, long time resident, came to
Bathurst in 1943. Stationed here when
she was in the women’s army, she met her
husband who was a local Bathurst man.
They were married in December 1945.
Betty had originally come from Hay, a
town in the western Riverina region of
NSW. Mrs Ives found a home in Bathurst
and started work at the Scots School
Bathurst in 1964 as the Headmaster’s
Secretary. She served as secretary to the
next five headmasters. Being the eyes and
ears of the school, Mrs Ives never missed
a trick though a few tricks were played on
her during her time at the school. Betty
remembers fondly the adventures the
students would get up to.
“There was a very large blue tongue
lizard that lived under the building. On
hot summer days he would come out and
sun himself. One day I was at my office
desk and looked down, and there I saw
him. The lizard coming right towards
me! I am sure it had some help to get
into my office. I think someone was
playing a trick on me.” Though not all
her animal visitors were tricks, coming
in one morning Mrs Ives discovered
the school’s cat Mrs Dougan had made
herself comfortable and had given birth
to six kittens. These cute little creatures
were later re-housed in the boiler room.
At The Scots School, all their speech
days have had very special guests though
some arrived in vehicles that created
more of a stir. Mrs Ives tells us of the
great excitement when Dick Smith
landed on the main oval in his helicopter.
“It was the one he had travelled
the world, showing the bullet hole
4 | The Thistle
where he had been shot at. Dick Smith
was our guest of honour on the day.”
A different type of excitement was
experienced during another speech day
that Mrs Ives remembers.
“On this particular Speech Day, it
was held in Bathurst town hall, when a
call was received by the fire brigade that
The Scots School was on fire. I was the
only person at the school, all of students
and teachers were at the speech day. I
suddenly heard sirens sounding. Two fire
engines, an ambulance and a electricity
truck turned into the school grounds. But
there was no fire! It was a false alarm.
Earlier that morning a senior student
was reported to the Headmaster for
misbehaviour and was sent home on the
train. Could this have been the culprit?”
R.M Williams, famous for his leather
belts and country clothing was also
a Speech Day Guest of Honour. His
company then made the sporrans for
the Pipe Band and the Cadets.
Mrs Ives reflects how far her
relationships have gone. “I have been a
part of families from all over Australia.
We have shared many good times
and some very sad times. I value their
friendship. I still have old boys from the
school phone me and also come to visit.
Mrs Ives has always been a history buff.
“From the beginning of my time at
The Scots School, I began to collect
various articles of historical interest
that were about to be thrown out.
Over the years my collection grew and
grew, collecting until I had enough to
put together to start the archives. The
Old Boys’ Association named it The
Betty Ives Centre for the archives of
The Scots School Bathurst. This was
quite an honour. I was also honoured
with a sporting house named after me.
The Scots School’s sporting houses are
Browning, Flynn, Lang and Ives.”
Mrs Ives still regularly attends some
reunions and also the Old Boys’ annual
Cricket Match and other occasions during
the year such as the Athletics Carnivals
and Speech Day. She enjoys talking to
Old Boys who phone her and also come to
visit. She loves to see Old Boys’ children
and grandchildren enrol at the school.
She values their friendship. “Fifty years
is a long time. I could go on with many
more tales. I hope the school continues
to grow and thrive. The Scots School
is a very special place. Thank you Scots
for these years. Thank you Headmaster.”
BOVE: Mrs Betty Ives
A
making haggis for the Ball,
1989
EFT: Mrs Betty Ives being
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presented a gift for 50
Years association with the
school by Headmaster Mr
David Gates at the 2014
Highland Gathering
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Old Boys “Ride-a-thon”,
School Chapel Fundraiser
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D i v e r s e O p p o r t u ni t
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Miles Felstead
Former President,TSSBOBA
A c a de m i c E
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This is now…
9th October 1976
On Saturday 9th October 1976 the
headmaster John Hunter, school staff,
students and local media farewelled
a group of Old Boy’s on a 230km
tandem bicycle fundraising ride from
The Scots School Bathurst to The
Scots College Bellevue Hill.
The Old Boy’s team included Miles
Felstead (64-69), Frank Johnston
(62-66), Robert Cummins (71-74),
Hugh Gerdes (72-74), Graham
Burgess (77-70), John Chessell (69-70),
Miles Currington (64-70) and Peter
Nott (64-70).
With a few minor mechanical repairs
along the way, the team reached
Clarence in the Blue mountain’s at
nightfall where we set up camp for
the night. At dawn the following day
the team got underway and were
clocked by the support vehicle at
63mph coming down Bellbird Hill
into Kurrajong with fearless Frank in
control at the front and yours truly in
the back seat hanging on!
At 2.45pm (15 minutes ahead of
schedule) the team arrived at The
Scots College Bellevue Hill where
they were welcomed by a gathering of
well wishers and afternoon tea kindly
provided by The Scots College.
The TSSOBA “Ride-A-Thon” raised
just over $5,000 for the Old Boy’s
Chapel Project which together with
interest over the past 38 years has
amounted to $27,000.
After discussion with the
Headmaster Mr Gates and in
consultation with some Old Boys,
it has been decided that this money
will be contributed towards the
building of the Pavilion which will be
partly used for Christian groups and
Year Group Chapel Services.
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Headmaster’s
Introduction
The Scots School has enjoyed
phenomenal success since I last reported
in The Thistle in Term 4 last year. The
academic achievements of our students
are particularly pleasing and I wish to
highlight some of them here.
Special recognition and
congratulations must go to our Year
12 from last year for their outstanding
achievement in the HSC. We are
delighted with their results both at
the very top with outstanding ATAR
scores and many wonderful stories of
students who applied themselves and
were successful in reaching their goal
of an apprenticeship, GAP School
placement overseas or university entry.
Our top ATAR was 99.0 and there
were three students with an ATAR
over 95, six over 90 and 12 over 80.
The six students with an ATAR over
90 are recognised in this edition along
with their other school achievements.
This is a remarkable result from a
Year 12 cohort of 44 students.
Two Year 12 students were also
selected for recognition with their
HSC Major Works. Joel Reynolds’
Major HSC Visual Art Work was
chosen for Art Express – a selection of
the best HSC Visual Arts Major works
in NSW and Kristen McAndrew’s
Design and Technology Major Work
was chosen for DesignTech.
The growth in learning outcomes
across the School is also evident in the
classroom, when I read student reports
and in an analysis of NAPLAN results,
I see students engaged in learning,
excelling in particular areas of interest,
working hard to improve areas of
weakness and developing excellent
learning habits that will hold them in
good stead for life.
Our NAPLAN results in 2013 are
particularly worthy of mention. Our
students have excelled with strong
growth at Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 as measured
on national benchmarks. Our growth in
literacy and writing especially, has been
considerable. In Year 9 the writing scores
are a long way above both predicted
growth patterns as measured against
all State Schools and Independent
Schools in Australia. In fact, our Year
9 students are 29.0 scale scores above
the state average growth in Writing and
16.6 scale scores above independent
schools average growth in Writing.
Such results do not just happen; they
are a very strong indicator of excellent
teaching and a class room environment
that promotes focused engagement in
learning and a partnership entered with
parents who value education and see it
as an investment in their children.
What follows next in this edition of
The Thistle is a snapshot of other school
activities and areas of excellence in
what has been quitter a remarkable
six months. I trust you enjoy reading
this edition of The Thistle both for
its current news and the historical
significance of 50 years for Mrs Betty
Ives and 60 years for Agriculture at
The Scots School.
Kind regards,
Mr David Gates
Headmaster
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cademic Exc
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Excellence
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2013 Hsc achievements
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ELYSE OWENS
Band 6 Results
ATAR: 96.9
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
PDHPE
KALYAN
MANNING
Band 6 Results
ATAR: 99.0
Chemistry
Mathematics
Extension 1
Mathematics
Extension 2
Career Aspiration
Philosophy
HSC Year
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
English Advanced Prize
English Extension I Prize
English Extension II Prize
Charles Sturt University Faculty of Education
Prize for Academic Excellence
Chemistry Prize
Dux accumula (2011-13)
Day student for 7 years
Son of Mr Keith and Mrs Bhakti Manning
of Bathurst
Career
Aspiration
Medicine
HSC Year
School Captain
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Mathematics 2 Unit Prize
University of Newcastle Award for Academic
Excellence
Biology Prize
The University of New South Wales Award
for Academic Excellence
Dux of The Scots School
Caltex Medallion for Best All-Rounder
The Old Cooerwullians Prize awarded
annually to the School Captain
The Scots School Old Boys’ and Girls’
Association Prize
Day student for 6 years
Daughter of Mr Peter and Mrs Mary-Lou
Owens of White Rock
GEORGINA
SIMCOCK
Band 6 Results
ATAR: 95.35
Agriculture
Biology
Career
Aspiration
Veterinary Science
HSC Year
Agriculture Prefect
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
The Walter Gibbs Hunt Prize for Agriculture
Reuben F. Scarf Award for commitment,
consistent effort and desire to improve
Day student for 6 years
Daughter of Mr Matthew and Mrs Michelle
Simcock of O’Connell
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JINGXIAN
(HENRY) CHAN
TSZ YING NG
Band 6 Results
MEGAN WHITE
Band 6 Results
ATAR: 93.6
ATAR: 91.6
ATAR: 93.2
Chemistry
Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics
Extension 1
Career
Aspiration
Engineering
Career
Aspiration
Speech Pathology
Biology
PDHPE
Career
Aspiration
Physiotherapy
HSC Year
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Day student for 12 years
Son of Mr Raymond and Mrs Celina Chan
of Lane Cove
6 | The Thistle
HSC Year
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
English as a Second Language Prize
Mathematics Extension I Prize
International boarder student for 2 years
Daughter of Mr Chi Kin Ng and
Mrs Chiu Lan Yau of Hong Kong
Band 6 Results
HSC Year
Service Prefect
Outstanding Academic Effort and
Outstanding Academic Achievement
English Advanced Prize
Visual Arts Prize
Physics Prize
Second Place in Year 12
Boarder student for 4 years
Daughter of Mr Ashley and
Mrs Robyn White of Cowra
Blue, Black and Gold Ball
The Blue, Black and Gold Ball was a
fantastic occasion last November. It
was so good to see Old Boys and Old
Girls some who had not been back to
Scots for many years, and others who
had completed Year 12 only last year. It
was also good to join with our newest
group of Old Boys and Girls, the Year 12
of 2013, who were formally presented
following the completion of the HSC
Examinations during the week and
welcomed formally into the Old Boys’
and Girls’ Association by the President
of the Association, Mr Ian Quant.
The night was very special with
the Bathurst Entertainment Centre
beautifully presented along with
excellent entertainment for the night.
The Pipes and Drums were very
impressive. They performed with great
precision and accomplishment and their
performance was thoroughly enjoyed
by everyone present. All present also
enjoyed the Ascot Dancers
accompanied by some of our pipers.
A very special moment during the
evening was a presentation to the
outgoing President and Vice President
of the P & F (Ross Andrew & Michael
Ireland) by Lindsay Wilde and
Genevieve Spence. All present were
able to acclaim their dedication and
commitment for eight and six years.
above : The Ascot Dancers
with some of our pipers
SAVE THE DATE :
Liz and John Lennon with their
daughter, Edith ( class of 2013)
2014 Blue Black
and Gold Ball
Saturday 8 November,
2014
The Pipes and Drums
were resplendent
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D i v e r s e O p p o r t u ni t
Our ISA Swimming Team, 2014
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Senior Swimming Carnival
The Senior Swimming Carnival in February was
an outstanding day with School and House Spirit
very clearly evident. The exuberant cheering
and excellent participation rate speaks volumes
for the attitude of our students towards School
events. There were some outstanding swimmers
but Zac Telfser in Year 11 was exceptional
breaking every school record for his age group
on the day. Other school records were broken
by the 17 Years Girls from Browning House who
broke the relay record by 5 seconds.
ISA Swimming Carnival
Children and Grandchildren of Past Students 2014
Back Row (L to R): Phillippa Shepard, Samuel Andrew, Sean Grabham, Henry Quant, Samuel Flude, Ned Dawson, Georgia Flude.
4th Row: Hamish, Andrews, Stephanie Ferguson, Sam Pateman, Hugh McKay, Nathaniel Couchman, Gwenllian Towart, Zane Brien-Rowlandson.
3rd Row: Paris Bennett, Katrina Larkings, William McDonald, Alice Powell, Brooke Andrew, Rhabi Welch, Fiona Durham, Emelia Inwood.
2nd Row: Rosemary Webb, Mia Bremner, Timothy Powell, Finlay Eastment, Emma Martin, Ben Dickenson, Charles Flude, Melissa Bateman,
Brooke Webb. Front (seated): Joshua Inwood, Claire McKay, Prudence Inwood, Claire Ferguson, Lana Eastment, Charlie Bennett.
Bush Fire Appeal
Our thoughts and prayers went out to the victims of
the Blue Mountains Bush Fires and indeed all emergency
services personnel who worked so hard during the
Winmalee bushfires. Our special thoughts go out to those
in our community who personally know someone who
has lost their life in these fires or lost everything.
The fund raising efforts of our students lead by Mr
Dawes and Sophie Ireland was amazing. During November
2013, the Bush Fire Appeal at The Scots School raised
$6,688.95 through a mufty day, three cake stalls, the P &
F Variety Concert and BBQ, the Senior School Social and
the Parent Weekend Chapel Service plate donations. Our
students were particularly proactive in this endeavour. The
moments of respectful silence followed by prayers from
the School Chaplain at the P & F BBQ and Variety Concert
and the Chapel Service were very powerful moments of
8 | The Thistle
Jonty Boshier
at the Bushfire
Appeal Concert
deep reflection. A cheque was sent to Presbyterian Social
Services as our school’s contribution to the work they
do to assist those in need following the recent bush fires.
Congratulations to our Secondary School Swimming Team
who were outstanding at the ISA Carnival at Homebush
(March 2014). This is the best result from our team at this
level by a long way with the Boys finishing first and the Girls
finishing second in Division Two against much bigger schools.
All age groups performed very well with no real weaknesses
and this is the key to overall team results. The Senior Boys
Team of Zachery Telfser, Jonathan Gates, Jonty Boshier and
Henry Quant took out their division with a number of
other divisions finishing second or third. This outstanding
result will mean that both the Boys and Girls Teams will
move into Division One next year against very big schools.
The indoor heated pool is definitely the key with training
from September through until the end of Term 1. The
Senior Swimming Squad trained two afternoons a week
and some students also attended three mornings a week.
The emphasis on swimming in the PDHPE program during
Terms 4 and 1 is also another contributing factor.
Alice Gates & Zac Telfser 17 Yrs Champions
WAS Swimming Carnival
Our Indoor swimming facility
was the envy of all our
guests at the Junior Schools
Western Area Schools
carnival. Teams from Orange
Anglican Grammar School,
Blue Mountains Grammar,
Kinross and All Saints College
competed in what we call
‘The Friendly Games.’ It was
an excellent warm up for the
HICES carnival.
Save
the
date!
First carnival for Mia Hobson and Lily Triming
Junior Swimming Carnival
Baxter Fitzgerald competes
at the WAS swimming carnival
OPEN DAY – BATHURST
Saturday August 23rd, 2014
The Junior School Swimming Carnival was also a
wonderful occasion. There was strong parent and grand
parent support, excellent assistance from the Friends
of Junior School and a great carnival occasion where
students felt free to do their best in having a go.
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Highland Gathering 2014
The Highland Gathering Weekend is a highlight on The Scots
School calendar. Saturday saw the AGM For the Old Boys and
Girls Association. This was followed by the Ceilidh which was
organized by the Friends of Pipes and Drums. The threatening
weather forced us all in doors but the entertainment and food
was first class.
Sunday was a glorious autumn day with only a 15 minute
rain shower in the afternoon to dampen proceedings for a short
while. There were many highlights at this years’ Highland
Gathering. Once again The Castle was a perfect backdrop for
the Pipes and Drums with a big crowd in attendance to enjoy the
competition. Our own Pipes and Drums under the leadership of
Gil McKenzie represented the school admirably. The Equestrian
Show Jumping was bigger than ever with competitors coming
quite a distance to enjoy our wonderful event.
Front: Rebecca George, Sophie Ireland, Robbie Hayward, Meredith
Spence, Felicity Walker, Ellie Craft. Back Row: Mr N Dawes, Mollie Harley,
Thomas Fitzsimmons, Joshua DeBoos, Peter Deacon, Jonty Boshier, Lucy
Woods. Inset at right: Weilin Wang.
Prefects and House Captains for 2014
Other highlights included the mass
bands performing together at the
closing presentation, the role of our
cadets in the Flag Raising Ceremony,
the inclusion of a tent for the Old
Boys and Girls Association under the
leadership of President Mr Ian Quant
and the graphics display of the new
Scots Pavilion.
It was an honour to share the day
with Mr Mike Stubbings, the Chieftain
for the 2014 Highland Gathering. It
was also good to be able acknowledge
Mrs Betty Ives’ 50 year association
with The Scots School and to reaffirm
her value as ‘Highly Esteemed Visitor
to the School.’
10 | The Thistle
Save
the
date!
School Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Spence
School Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robbie Hayward
School Vice-Captain/Agriculture Prefect.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca George
School Vice-Captain/Prefect Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonty Boshier
School Vice-Captain/Day House & Chapel Prefect.. . . . . . . . . . Peter Deacon
Senior Girl Boarder Prefect/Sports Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucy Woods
Senior Boy Boarder Prefect.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Fitzsimmons
Junior School Prefect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mollie Harley
Stage 4 Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua DeBoos
Stage 4 Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie Craft
Service Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sophie Ireland
International Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weilin Huang
Performing Arts Prefect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felicity Walker
Browning House Captains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maddison Hohnberg
Jack Bird
Flynn House Captains.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mollie Harley
Gulliver Newell
Ives House Captains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucy Blackmore
Hugh McKay
Lang House Captains.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felicity Walker
Jonty Boshier
Galloway House Vice Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mollie Harley
Bulkeley House Vice Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Pateman
scots Speech Day
December 5th, 2014
The Thistle | 11
•
Academic Excellence
•
Indiv idual Attention
•
s
Diverse O ppor tunitie
•
Academic Excellence
Show Successes for Cattle Team
•
Indiv idual Attention
•
D i v e r s e O p p o r t u ni t
The most outstanding results at Sydney Royal were
as follows:
First Middleweight School Steer; First Heavyweight
Open Steer; Champion Heavyweight Steer; First
Middleweight School Carcase; First Class 10
Middleweight Carcase; First Class 13 Heavyweight
Carcase; Champion School Carcase.
We received 1 Gold Medal (very prestigious), 3
Silver Medals and 5 Bronze Medals – for carcases. We
also achieved second highest scoring carcase out of
approximately 300 carcases and many other places with
other steers.
At Bathurst Show, the Junior Paraders had 90
competitors in the Intermediate Class and Scots took
out both Champion Parader (Stephanie Ferguson Year
10) and Reserve Champion (Sam Pateman Year 12).
Stephanie then went on to take out Grand Champion
Parader, out of 110 entrants! Many of our junior students
also took out places in very tough classes.
Junior Judging also had 90 competitors and Scots
supplied 6 out to the 7 finalists. We ended up with 1st,
2nd and 3rd (Stephanie Ferguson Year 10, Emma Boland
– 2012 Old Girl and Lily Ross Year 9). Stephanie then
went on to take out overall Grand Champion Junior
Judge! Robbie Hayward (Year 12) took out the Crawford
Cup (Champion
overall Judge of
Fleece, Meat Sheep
and Beef Cattle!)
In the Young
Rural Achiever
competition, all of
the Scots entrants
were awarded prizes.
Most impressive was
Stephanie Ferguson
in winning both the
Intermediate Girls
and the Intermediate
Literature Prize.
Robbie Hayward
(Year 12) was second
in the Senior Section
along with Rebecca
George (Year 12)
and Ben McGrath
The Cattle Team at 2014 Sydney Show
was second in the
Intermediate Boys.
A c a de m i c E
xcellence
•
ear 6 students having a great time at the Experience Day for
Y
Year 7 2015. Harry Dickenson, Baxter Williams and Prue Inwood
Combined Old Boys & First XI & Mrs Ives
Old Boys & Girls Sporting Challenges
The annual Old Boys and Girls sporting challenges against the
First XI Cricket and First VII Netball were held in March. Both
matches were keenly contested with the First XI Cricket giving
the Old Boys a real scare before a late order collapse saw
them go down. The netballers also enjoyed a great match which
eventually went to the Scots First VII.
Ceremonial Parade 2013 – entry of the platoons
12 | The Thistle
•
Old Girls Netball and First VII
The Cattle Team enjoyed tremendous success at Blayney,
Sydney Royal and Bathurst shows once again. The 38
students who have been working with Mrs Libby Dawes
over the last two terms have developed a whole range of
personal skills in the process. Not only do they learn a
great deal about steers and preparing them for showing
but they also learn to work together as a team, develop
resilience as they face challenges, take on responsibility,
mentor younger students new to cattle, develop patience
and humility, have fun and a great deal more. This is a
wonderful program which has enjoyed great success in
recent years.
Henry Quant and Ed Simcock with their winning steer
i es
Junior School Easter concert 2014
hree generations Scots family tradition. The Larkings family:
T
Allan (Class of 1955), Gordon (Class of 1989),
Katrina (Year 9, 2014)
The Thistle | 13
•
Academic Excellence
•
Indiv idual Attention
•
s
Diverse O ppor tunitie
•
Academic Excellence
•
Indiv idual Attention
•
CSU Global has brought student graduates to the school
for practical placement which has made a fabulous
contribution to our school program. We have had two
Agriculture students from Kentucky University for 8 weeks
working in Agriculture and Biology classes and with the
Cattle Team. Five Primary School graduates have also
visited for 3 weeks from the University of Ontario to
work in our five Junior School classes.
g of
n
i
k
n
i
Th Reunion
ga
Holdine -connect
to r our old
with y mates?
class
•
A c a de m i c E
xcellence
•
Cadet Camp, 2014
Would you like to re-connect with your old class mates? Are you interested in
attending a reunion?
Please contact Lynda Ireland, Enrolments and Promotions Officer and Secretary
of the Old Boys and Girls Association, to register your interest to organise a
reunion or to make contact with your year group.
Phone: 02 63312766 or email: lireland@scots.nsw.edu.au
Year
Date
Venue
Contact
1979
Later in
the year
TBC – possibly
at the school
Neale Towart
M: 0427 681681
E: ntowart@unionsnsw.org.au
Adam Hawken
E: hawkena@bigpond.com
M: 0448 780 498
Farm ph: 02 6359 3384
Westleigh ph: 02 9484 2256
1984
7, 8, 9 Nov
2014
Friday: Informal dinner
Saturday: Tour of the
school
Blue Black & Gold Ball
Bathurst Memorial
Sunday: Informal
breakfast/lunch
Michael Inwood
‘Toulon’
360 Glanmire Lane
Glanmire, NSW 2795
M: 0427 373 423
H: 02 6337 3423
E: engagingnature@gmail.com
2004
14th
September
Venue to be advised
Matt Press
M: 0400 265 911
E: matty_press@hotmail.com
2009
19th July
2014
The Scots School
Bathurst, then dinner
in Bathurst
Ashlee Hedrick
ashlee.hedrick@hotmail.com
Cadet Camp
Cadet Camp was on in May with all Year 8 and our Cadet
leaders in the Blue Mountains for three days. For the
Cadet Leaders, this camp gives them the opportunity to
develop their leadership skills with their group and to
take on considerable responsibility. This is done under
the watchful eye of Outdoor Education instructors and
our own staff to ensure safety. The students enjoyed a hike
in the vicinity of Mt York and the Hartley Valley along
with abseiling, rock climbing, initiatives, camp craft, map
and compass reading. Completion of the Year 8 Camp is
a necessary requirement for students wishing to take on
Cadet Leadership which is a major leadership development
program at The Scots School for all our students.
The Cadet Program is compulsory for all students in
Years 8-10 in Terms One and Four. In Terms Two and
Three, students wishing to become Cadet Leaders meet
on Wednesday afternoons to develop leadership skills
and prepare for Cadet Promotions courses.
Promoting The Scots School
Promotions and Enrolments officer, Mrs Lynda Ireland has
been busy attending Country Visits, Country Shows and
Expos to promote the school. It is encouraging to see that past
students and their families continue to speak well of the school
to prospective students. This year, Mrs Kath Harley and Mrs
i es
Reunions
CSU Global
Kentucky University Students visit
TSS for their final teaching prac
D i v e r s e O p p o r t u ni t
2014 marks a significant
occasion for many of our
previous cohort groups:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1954 – 60 years
1964 – 50 years
1974 – 40 years
1984 – 30 years
1989 – 25 years
1994 – 20 years
1999 – 15 years
2004 – 10 years
2009 – 5 years
Helen Woods have been attending shows in the Western areas
of NSW such as Tottenham, Cobar, Nyngan, and Condobolin
to extend our marketing. Mrs Ireland has been to The Dubbo
Boarding Expo, Millthorpe markets, Sydney Independent
Schools Expo, Mudgee Small Farm Field Days, Australian
National Field Day as well as the Bathurst Show.
Old Boys and Girls Business Registry
Put your business name here!
Advertise your business to the thousands of Thistle readers in your school community.
Circulation includes The Scots School Old Boys and Girls Association as well as The Scots School Bathurst and
Lithgow current school community. Funds raised will be used to maintain the Thistle as a free publication.
One edition for $70 or two consecutive editions for $100 (1/8 A4 page ad)
L EFT: Mrs Lynda
Ireland promoting the
school at Millthorpe
Markets
Contact Mrs Lynda Ireland by email for a Thistle advertising submission form. lireland@scots.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Kath Harley representing
the school at Cobar Show
14 | The Thistle
Save
the
date!
Ceremonial Parade & Carols Service
December 4th 2014, from 4.30pm
The Thistle | 15
• A c a d e m i c E xc e l l e n c e • I n d i v i d u a l A t t e n t i o n • D i v e r s e O p p o r t u n i t i e s •
The planned Scots Pavillion
idered
s
n
o
c
u
o
Have y lying for a
app
ntr y
e
r
o
f
p
i
scholarshYears 5-11
into 016?
in 2
Scholarships
Pavilion Update
There has been a great deal of work on
the Pavilion Project since our launch
during a very busy first Term.
The Pavilion display at The Highland
Gathering received a lot of interest and
was a great opportunity to showcase
this school community project to a
wider audience.
Our Highland Gathering has raised
$14,000 for the Pavilion Fund and more
funds were raised through our school’s
participation in supporting the Bathurst
to Blayney bike event in April and the
Easter Sunday Bunnings BBQ.
The Pavilion building plans have
now been finalised and approved
through the School Board’s Building
& Properties Committee and the
Board has given approval for the plans
to be submitted to Bathurst Regional
Council for Development Consent.
The costed project has also been
incorporated into The Scots School
BGA Grant application. A BGA grant
is not guaranteed but could provide
the funding required for supporting
infrastructure for the Pavilion.
It is hoped that with sufficient funds
raised through the school community,
Old Boys and Girls and other fund
raising events we can begin construction
of the Pavilion in December this year
and have it ready for School’s 70th
Anniversary in 2016.
Now with June 30 approaching it is
the time to make your tax deductible
contributions to the Pavilion Fund, or
you may have goods and services that
can be used for the Pavilion. You can
see the included Pavilion Donation
letter for details on how you can
contribute and be part of this exciting
school community project.
A wide range of scholarships exist:
• Academic
• All rounder
• ICPA
• Indigenous
• Music
• Agriculture
• Pipes & Drums/Highland Dancing
Apply online from
9th September, 2014
For more information:
www.scots.nsw.edu.au
➔ Enrolments ➔ Scholarships
Or contact the Promotions
& Enrolments Officer,
Mrs Lynda Ireland 02 63312766
lireland@scots.nsw.edu.au
Lindsay Wilde
President, Scots School P&F
Photography in this issue of The Thistle courtesy of Riana Deacon,
Tonia Cox, Andrew Maher and Lynda Ireland
at www.scots.nsw.edu.au
e
t
i
s
b
e
ur w
Visit o
The Scots School
Bathurst & Lithgow
A Work of the Presbyterian Church of NSW
4173 O’Connell Road
Bathurst NSW 2795
Telephone: 02 6331 2766
Fax: 02 6333 4795
Email: scots@scots.nsw.edu.au