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Issue 26 | Thursday 19 August 2021
A conversation with the Head of College Mr John Weeks
The Week ahead – It’s all systems go! (Just different) As expected, the current NSW Government health restrictions will continue for another week. This was announced earlier today. The lockdown is now extended to 28 August. We had been anticipating that this would be the case and the College staff will continue with remote teaching. All children are to remain at home with the one exception. That being the children of essential workers may attend. If your child does attend the College, they will engage in the online learning program like everyone else. Be aware that they will not necessarily have their regular teacher on-site because most teaching staff are working from home. They will, of course, be fully supervised and cared for and assisted with their online work. Year 12 Trials Prior to the lockdown, Year 12 students had completed half the Trial HSC exams onsite. Now that we know the lockdown is extended, the remaining trial examinations will take place next week online. Year 12 students were advised of this possibility earlier this week and, in preparation for this format, completed a ‘practice test’ in mathematics online. This has been extremely successful. Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
As we continue to have ‘normal’ operations interrupted, it is important to determine alternative ‘workarounds’ to keep schedules and maintain student engagement, connection, and learning. I commend all our staff who are doing their very best to support your children throughout this time of on-going restriction. As always, if you have any questions, please contact those staff members leading the various teams of teachers across our campuses. Junior – Prep–Year 4
Anthony Roohan
Anthony.Roohan@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
Middle – Years 5–8
Chris Jackman
Chris.Jackman@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
Senior – Years 9–12
Andrew Weeding
Andrew.Weeding@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
Year 12
Greg Jones Greg.Jones@scotsallsaints. nsw.edu.au
General Enquiries
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From the Chaplain Rev. Michael Bennett Chaplain
Jesus in 'lockdown' in the wilderness I know that this will come as a shock to many of you, but Jesus experienced his own personal lockdown in Matthew 4:1-11. Matthew tells us that Jesus went into the wilderness with no food or resources for 40 days and nights. By the end of it, he was weak, hungry and exhausted. Now, I can appreciate that Jesus’ experience might seem a little different from being stuck within the confines of a small inner-city unit in Sydney – but with no shelter during the cold nights, no televised Olympic or Paralympic distractions, and no food, it was a tough ordeal. The purpose of his lockdown was to identify with his people’s experience 1500 years earlier, when Israel wandered the desert region after being freed from slavery for 40 years. They were meant to trust God during their experience, but failed, and likewise, Jesus was tasked with remaining faithful to his heavenly Father, and succeeded. What is interesting in the above-mentioned story is that the Devil comes to Jesus towards the end of this 'lockdown', and tries to get him to 'break the rules' (turn from trusting in God) in three very familiar ways! The first is ‘food security’ (vs3) – the Devil said, “turn these stones into Bread”. The second is to 'give up’ (vs6) – “Throw yourself off the top of the temple". And the third is ‘giving in to the
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
illusion that you can take full control of your life’ (vs9) – “Bow down and worship me and I will give you the kingdoms of the world.” It is interesting that when our society goes into lockdown, these same themes arise. At the first sign of a lockdown, many people's instant reaction is to stockpile food and provisions at a time when there are no signs of those provisions running out. Some in our community, especially those with small businesses who are struggling to cope financially, can be pushed beyond their emotional capacity and want to give up. And, as the Sydney protests against government restrictions demonstrate, people desperately want to remove any restrictions on their freedom and feel like they are in control of their lives. Yet, in Jesus' story in the desert and also later when he faces crucifixion, Jesus appears to be helpless. In reality, he is submissive to the circumstances and challenges. In his responses to the Devil, we see three coping mechanisms. Firstly, Jesus trusts God’s word and promises (vs4). Secondly, he believes that he shall be delivered from the circumstance (vs7). And thirdly, he celebrates by worshipping and serving God (vs10). As we (and our society) search for answers during a difficult time, I would encourage us to turn our hearts and minds towards God – trusting, believing, and celebrating his sovereignty over all things. He can quieten our anxiety and bring peace to our heart and soul if we can trust in Him. Amen.
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All Things Sport Mr Mark Wilkinson Sports Administrator
Unfortunately there won’t be any Saturday sport this weekend because of you-know-what. Nevertheless, it would be great if everyone who competes for the College in netball, hockey and soccer could do a little practice, if possible, in their backyards. With many of our teams in contention for finals, this will make a huge difference to your results. While we’re in lockdown, we thought it would be a good idea to give everyone a few fun ideas to stay active while they’re at home. Each day this week we’ve been posting videos on Facebook that feature a different coach and a different activity or sport. We’ve had over a thousand views in the first couple of days! Head on over to the Scots All Saints Facebook page and check them out. Winter Sports Photos (Junior and Middle School) If we’re back at school next week, we’ll be having our Winter sports photos during Active Afternoons. Middle School - Thursday 26 August Junior School - Friday 27 August Students who compete for the College in soccer, netball and rugby are required to bring their playing uniform and a nice, big smile! Upcoming Dates Let’s be optimistic and look forward to these upcoming representative Athletics dates.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Obviously, significant lockdown restrictions would need to be lifted for these events to take place, but it’s nice to dream, right?. WAS Athletics at Dubbo (Years 7 - 12) The date is still to be confirmed but will likely be around Week 1 - 3 of Term 4. HICES Athletics at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay (Years 2 - 6) Monday 1 November ISA Athletics at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay (Years 7 - 12) Tuesday 26 October ISA Athletics at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay (Years 7 - 12) Tuesday 16 November Have an awesome weekend!
Saturday Shout Outs
Go ahead and check out these winners from last Saturday. Henry Casey, Angus Long, Annie Triggs, Annabelle Cooper, Eliza Hatton, Peyton Patterson, Emily Brown, Lauren Cant, Nicholas Dunstall, Chloe Shute, Nicholas Lenehan, Laura Dunstall, Georgie Hemsworth, Teagan Chapman, Ben Brown, Adelaide Long, Caitlin Dunstall, Jacob Fernando, Lucy Roohan.
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Year 10 students to take part in 40 Hour Famine • Give up talking • Another challenge of their choosing The proposed dates are: Year 10 students will be participating in the 40 Hour Famine as a combined activity between Geography, Invictus, and Chapel. Currently, students are learning about human wellbeing in Geography with a focus on difference in access to food, water and resources. In Invictus lessons, students learn to be resilient, to give back and to strive to challenge themselves in a variety of situations. While in Chapel, students learn about God's command that we should care for the environment and our neighbour. The 40 hour Famine is an ideal opportunity for our students to come together, raise awareness and money, as well as supporting each other over the 40 Hours. We will ask students to consider undertaking one of the following challenges to raise money for the poor in: • Give up food • Give up their mobile phone and social media
Regional Visits postponed The following Regional Visits are postponed in light of the current NSW lockdown: Coonabarabran (25 August) Coonamble (26 August) Gilgandra (27 August) Millthorpe (31 August) Oberon (2 September) Orange (7 September)
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Start 29 August, Sunday 7:00 pm End 31 August, Tuesday 11:00 am While the focus is on Year 10, we welcome other students and members of the Scots All Saints community as participants or through donation. Below are the links required to either join or donate. Registration Link https://raceroster.com/registration/47847/ entry?team=331531 Team Donation Page http://raceroster.com/events/2021/47847/worldvision-australia-40hr-famine/pledge/team/331531 Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or have any concerns regarding this activity. Mr Luke Gillmer, Senior School Teacher Luke.gillmer@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
Book Week postponed Given the current uncertainty about a possible lockdown extension, we have decided to postpone our Book Week celebrations to a date to be confirmed. The Book Fair has been set up and is ready to go once the lockdown is over.
Uniform Shop Just a reminder that the Uniform Shop is closed due to the current lockdown.
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Would you like to join the Scots All Saints College Cattle Show team? Are you currently in Year 8–12? Are you an Agriculture Scholarship student? If your answer to all the above is YES, then read on! To join the team you need to go and do the following: 1. Get yourself and your parents to read the following documents which can be found on the College website. Cattle Team – Scots All Saints College a. Cattle Show Team Letter b. The Mentor and Co Mentor System of the SASC Cattle Show Team c. Facts relating to students wanting to bring their own steers. 2. After reading the above documents, and if you are still keen, please ask your PARENTS to complete the following google form BY MONDAY 23 AUGUST, 2021. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePCgrHucjK_Oy3zClSghHN0uT9qz2w5sBcijY0a6n192izFQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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Extract from Year 12 English Extension 2 major works Following is an extract from Isobelle Sotter's Extension 2 Major Works. Students in English Extension 2 have to create a 6000 word major work for the HSC. Isobelle is writing a series of short stories with the Australian experience as a theme.
Their garden was in the east of the property. It was there before the couple who lived in the cottage just below the hill and by the river were even born. The house and garden were trimmed to perfection, manicured by the tailored hand of a full-time gardener who created order with a gloved fist and trowel. Unfortunately, he is long gone now, his work laying in dignified decay like a tarnished set of fine dining teacups. The flat plains of grass were symmetrical and even and parallel and perpendicular, spreading out amongst clusters of oaks and birches and some sort of shrubbery in their rock encased enclosures. And those islands of plantlife, identical in nature, are regularly placed about the place, developing an intricate pattern of deep greens and rough bark. They cast shadows like garden fairies dancing. The bush bordered the property like a sprawling, messy cousin, vibrant and chaotic in contrast to the mature greys of some aristocratic agent. You might find similarities in their faces, the same slope of a branch or twist of a stone, but altogether entirely individual figures. That is the beauty of this garden. This tired old place is surrounded by the youth of a modern age and two new dwellers in the cottage by the river. The dry river. There are marks on its banks indicative of where the water line previously reached, but the previous owners - as was explained to them - used the natural water supply for their beautiful eastern garden. Those lines are dusty and dehydrated now, the pebbled creek bed hot with light. The new owners were excited in their cottage on the outsides of the town tucked between two hills. A dark-haired woman happily painting on
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
the veranda, her partner collecting the firewood from a fallen birch tree. The chimney was smoking heavily, and they looked at it disapprovingly, exasperated at the lack of quality wood on the property. Even the live trees planted before their time were sickly and tired, their age seemingly a hindrance over an advantage. Regardless, it was a drought, and like the majority of rural australia, exhaustion was pervasive in all areas of life. They were no exception. Over that winter the birch trees died and were burnt in the fireplace as a funeral. The larger oak trees followed quickly after that in the space of a month, littering the lawn like fallen soldiers, waiting to be exhumed. The woman looked through the window from over her computer, glancing at their neighbour's paddock that harboured sheep. “Do you think that the grass is ever really greener on the other side of the fence, or it’s like a placebo effect?” She questioned to her partner, who turned around from the kitchen counter and looked at their wife. “You would think it has something to do with perspective, but then again it really does look greener” Was their reply. The two people sat in the silencer that settled itself over the house, for a moment or two as it shifted and swayed with the wind. Wrapping itself through the leaves and dry soil. The grass crackling in its wake. They both went back to their work. Drought was tough for all, surely. Spring’s arrival was imminent, but eventually ineffectual. Where life was supposed to reveal itself from under the barren winter coat, sickly surviving plants tried to extend themselves into the sunlight. continued page 8
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The river ran, a trickle of puddles at first, then after a storm it flowed freely, albeit slowly. The garden stayed burnt. Summer was going to be harsh, that much they knew. They sat on the veranda looking over the blank lawn, and the greener paddocks beyond the road. The garden fairies had left, driven out by the lack of shelter. “We should plant some trees,” One suggested. “Because we have so much experience in gardening” was their Wife’s reply, gentle in her sarcasm. “Because it’s going to be too hot to be of any use without some” was their eventual response. The couple came to an agreement; to find some native trees to plant, as hopefully they would need less care than their uneducated hands could supply. They found some at the nursery, little red wattles that were up to their shoulders. They were lowered into holes they laboured over, under the hot, temperamental breath of a changing season. The spring storms kept stampeding through, leaving destruction in their wake as the delicate broad leafed shrubbery was ripped apart and burnt off, the grass pulled up to reveal their shallow root systems. But the little acacia trees stood strong, soon the few stable healthy looking plants in their garden. A green graveyard of broken branches and bushes, guarded by all too happy sentinels of red. The garden died that summer. The river ran once again. The grass a patchwork of death and growth. The wattles faced the sun. The garden was revived that summer. Each anachronistic civilian was replaced with native sprouts, the grass ever so surely thickening with seeds blown across the wind. The water ran clear, and soon there were magpies nesting in preparation for the winter season. The two inhabitants of the cottage by the river always had dirt beneath their fingernails, a smile splayed across their lips when
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
they looked to the east. The light haired person was burnt, their skin painted with new freckles as if to mark each life resewn into the soil. The woman’s dark skin always seemed to be smeared with dust like paintings of ancient peoples. They were tired, but so very happy. Their hands may have been uneducated, but their teacher was patient and kind. “Look here” she whispered, gesturing to her spouse who crept over to the window. Both faces looked on in wonder as a wallaby struggled under their fence from the scrub into their garden, cautiously twitching her nose about. Then with a confident ease, she sauntered right below the veranda and took a drink from the water. To both their adoration, two ears emerged from her pouch, then a small scraggly little joey. Within minutes, there was a small mob of kangaroos and wallabies in their garden, all lounging beneath the newly planted wattles and curling up in the holes yet to be filled, likely taking advantage of the cooler soil on such a hot summers day. The next day, there was a small door frame in their fence leading out to the bush, customised by weather beaten and sturdy hands. There was also many more plants littered about the place, all collected in bouquets of reds and oranges and yellows, dashed amongst a muddy green. The fairies were slowly returning to their homes, and the gentle noise of the bush wrote their waltzes for them. “I think the grass is greener on our side of the fence” “I think you might be right”
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From the Scots archives
THE CRICKET SCORERS BOX The inside of the scorers box could accommodate a scorebook, and all sorts of other stuff of use to a cricket scorer.
Jim Henschell was coach of the First XI Cricket squad during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Being a cricket scorer can have its share of minor frustrations, most notably the wind trying to blow back to games from earlier in the season, and the assortment of stationary items that need to be on hand. Jim’s solution was to make a wooden box. The score book slid into a groove around the lid to keep it from blowing around, and the inside provided space for the various things that cricket scorers have to make their job easier, and for the scorebook to be stored. When Jim departed from Scots, he left his scoring box behind. It sat on top of the pigeon holes in the staffroom for a while, until Andrew Maher, who was team manager for the First XI, brought it back into service. It remained in use with whichever cricket team he was associated with and became for one season, the Scots All Saints box. Unfortunately, somebody in the cricket scorebook world decided a few years ago to change the standard size of score books. Parent Matt Chirgwin, who often scored for the SASC First XI, attempted a modification—the section that has been removed from the lid at the back—but the larger scorebooks still could not be made to fit, and it became obsolete. Mr Chirgwin handed it back at the end of the 2019 season and it became part of the collection of The Scots Museum, where it has recently gone on display.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Jim Henschell (back row, right) was for a time coach of the Western Associated Schools First XI, seen here in 2000 on Watson Oval at All Saints. The team consisted of players from All Saints College, Kinross Wolaroi, St Stanislaus College and The Scots School.
SOME PARENTS WHO USED THE BOX Scoring cricket games is an important and responsible task, and the willingness of parents to take on this role is greatly appreciated. Bill Marshall at Scots in 2009.
Eric Legge at Oxley College in 2000.
Matt Chirgwin scored for the first Scots All Saints First XI in the 2018-1019 season.
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French up your life today!
SPORTS DRAW
A little philosophy on friendship from the French. There is a lot to love about the French language. The language of love and culture, there is a warmth and eloquence when hearing it spoken and a quote in French certainly adds a certain je ne sais quoi into any conversation. Bonjour Bathurst brings you a story from Year 8 who have been learning how to converse in French the personality characteristics they admire in their friends and friendship en general. Click photo below to watch the video. Our lessons also led to some profound discussions based around French Writers in respect to their concepts of friendship. Our favorite quote was from Francois Hèretier, an anthrapologue – “L’amitie est le sel de la vie” (Friendship is the salt of life).
NO DRAW THIS WEEK
Of course, there is this classic quote, from this not French author that the children know very well: "If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you" Winnie the Pooh Whether it be Hèretier or Winnie the Pooh, that fills your day! Bonne journée! Allons-y Mrs Ann Maree Adamson
CALENDAR DATES Wednesday 1 September 2021 Year 12 Parent Mentor 3:45-7:15pm Thursday 2 September 2021 Year 12 Parent Mentor 3:45-7:15pm Friday 3 September 2021 Year 11 Exams Bathurst Eisteddfod Ends Junior School Music Showcase - 5pm Fathers' Day Breakfast Sunday 5 September 2021 Father's Day Monday 6 September 2021 Year 11 Exams Tuesday 7 September 2021 Year 11 Exams Wednesday 8 September 2021 Year 11 Exams Thursday 9 September 2021 Year 11 Exams Friday 10 September 2021 Year 11 Exams JS & MS Winter Sports Assembly
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Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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