Consent Lab and Police Youth Presentations
This week, we welcomed the team from Consent Labs. They delivered presentations to the Year 7, 8 and 9 students on topics surrounding consent and respectful relationships. The students were presented with strategies that they can use to deal with some issues that they may encounter regarding consent. They role-played responses to fictional scenarios and developed skills in using their words and actions to reduce any potential harm or risk to relationships.
Over the next few weeks, we will have our local Police Youth Officers come to talk to each of our Year groups. The officers will give informative talks regarding some of the topical issues that some young people face, including online relationships and behaviours, vaping, alcohol use, partying, assault, bullying and the possible legal implications for young people involved with these issues.
Winter Approaching – Cold Weather and Personal Hygiene
As the temperature and weather become more winter-like, we remind our students of the need to be appropriately dressed for school each day. Wearing our uniform correctly is also important. Students should prepare by checking the weather forecast if possible so that they are not surprised by cold changes, rain and wind.
Students and parents are reminded that wearing layers is the best approach to cool weather. Singlets or undershirts, school shirt, woollen jumper, blazer then winter coats. We also remind students that they should take care of their personal hygiene with cold and flu-like symptoms. Covering coughs, washing hands, respecting other people’s personal space and using tissues, etc, for runny noses.
Again, we remind our students that they are not to overuse deodorants, and that wearing perfumes and colognes before school or during the day is not acceptable behaviour. Whilst we appreciate that we want our students to smell pleasant, we do, however, need to remind them that there are many people who are sensitive to overpowering smells, which can trigger medical issues such as asthma attacks.
Recently, Ms Shanahan and I reminded students that spraying aerosols and deodorants at school is banned and that students do not need to lather themselves with extra perfumes or colognes before coming to school. Roll-on or stick deodorants are encouraged for those who need to apply at school, perhaps after physical activity. We thank our students for cooperating with these expectations. Repeat offenders will be demerited and risk possible detentions.
House Arts and Games Festival
The announcement and planning for this year’s house arts and games festival has begun. Our House Captains and House Patrons have got the theme and will be meeting their houses for the first time next Tuesday to plan and rehearse for the competition. Over the coming week, information will be confirmed as to the final format of the day, however, ALL students should be looking forward to finishing off Semester 1 with a day of fun and house spirit.
The day includes opportunities for all students to be involved and included in a house competition. All students are expected to sing in the House Choir competition. Senior School students and parents are asked to please prepare for an extended day at school. Final rehearsals will take place from 8:55 am to 10:45 am. Our practice concert with Year 5 and 6 will take place during the middle sessions, and the games (soccer, touch, volleyball, softball, etc) will take place after lunch. The Finals concert, where parents are welcome to attend, will be from around 3:45 pm and hopefully conclude by 5:30 pm.
Upcoming Senior School Events
5 June: Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews
5 June: Classes cease at 3:20 pm for the King’s Birthday Long Weekend
6 June: Student Free Day
10 June: Classes resume at 8:55 am
26 June: House Arts and Games Festival 8:55 am to 5:30 pm
Mr Justin Adams
Head of Senior School
Music Notes!
Celebrating an Outstanding HICES Music Festival Achievement
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news – 29 of our auditioning students have been selected in the first round for the 2025 HICES Music Festival! This is an exceptional achievement, especially in a year when the standard of applicants across the state has been incredibly high. This is also the largest number of students selected for HICES since the schools merged. A testament to our vibrant and growing music community! Our students’ success highlights not only their individual dedication and talent but also the strength of our school’s music program.
The HICES Music Festival will take place in August, where selected students will spend four days immersed in intensive rehearsals and workshops with some of Australia’s leading conductors and professional musicians. The festival will culminate in a spectacular concert at Sydney Town Hall, showcasing the combined talents of students from independent schools across NSW.
A special congratulations goes to Owen Hooper, Olivia Mills, Samuel De Gabriel, and Leo Klonis, who have been selected for the premier ensemble, the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of the esteemed Mr Guy Noble. Their selection reflects an extraordinary level of musical skill and commitment — we are incredibly proud of their achievement.
Congratulations to all our successful students:
- Samuel Lau – Trombone
- Charlotte McCurley – Clarinet
- Mia Miller – Percussion
- Emma Parkinson – Percussion
- Benjiman Webster – Baritone Saxophone
- Madeleine Brakell – Flute
- Abigail Brakell – Clarinet
- Sebastian De Gabriel – French Horn
- Monique Hooper – Clarinet
- James Lloyd – Trombone
- William Sargeant – Baritone Saxophone
- Zac Sweetnam – Tenor Saxophone
- Lucy Banner – Alto
- Eleanor Guihot – Soprano
- Brooke Rankin – Soprano
- Gracie White – Alto
- Lydia Brown – Soprano
- Scarlett Fox – Soprano
- Samuel De Gabriel – Trumpet
- Owen Hooper – French Horn
- Leonidas Klonis – Trombone
- Olivia Mills – Oboe
- Max Bennett – Double Bass
- William Byrnes – Cello
- Abigail Cahyono – Violin
- Alexis Jarvis – Viola
- Audrey Lesh – Violin
- Benjamin Lau – Electric Guitar
- Luca Siemsen – Bass Guitar
We look forward to supporting these students as they prepare for the festival and wish them all the best for this exciting musical journey.
Coming Soon: Music Showcase 2025 – “The Greatest Show”
Step right up for what promises to be The Greatest Show yet! The annual K–12 Music Showcase Concert is returning in 2025 with an exciting new format that’s sure to delight and inspire. Mark your calendars for Friday 20 June, from 6:30–8:00 pm at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Theatre, and get ready to experience an evening of music like never before.
This year’s Music Showcase will bring together the very best performances from across the College in a fast-paced, entertaining and emotionally engaging journey through the diverse world of music. From our youngest Kindergarten performers to our most seasoned senior musicians, the concert promises to celebrate the full spectrum of talent at our College.
Performing on the night will be:
- All of Kindergarten and Year 1
- Junior School ensembles, including the Concert Band, Orchestra, Suzuki Strings, Big Band, and Choir
- Senior School ensembles, including the Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Big Band, Amadeus Academy ensembles, and Pipes and Drums
In addition to large ensembles, the evening will showcase solo and small ensemble performances, featuring some of our most outstanding and committed student musicians. We are proud to announce that Sophie Roberts, Patrick Anderson, and Leo Klonis will be featured as soloists in what are sure to be standout performances.
Audiences can look forward to a vibrant mix of musical theatre, solo concertos, jazz, rock, film music, and chamber music – there will truly be something for everyone to enjoy.
This concert is more than just a performance – it is a celebration of creativity, teamwork, dedication, and the incredible work done by our talented students and music staff throughout the year. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our wider community to come together in support of the Arts and witness firsthand the energy and excellence that music brings to our College.
Ticket Information:
Tickets will be available soon through the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) website
Adult: $30 | Concession: $18
Differentiated pricing aims to make the event accessible for all families, friends, and supporters.
We especially encourage students who are not performing to attend, cheer on their peers, and be inspired by the range of music and the high level of performances on display.
So don’t miss out – gather your family and friends, and join us for The Greatest Show of 2025!
Friday 20 June | 6:30–8:00pm | BMEC Theatre
Upcoming Music Dates
Wednesday 4 June: Musical Theatre Night 5:00-8:30 pm Aikman Hall
Thursday 12 June: Year 12 Extension Music Recital 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Senior Campus Performing Arts Centre
Friday 20 June: “The Greatest Show” – Music Showcase 2025 6:30 pm BMEC
Term 3
Friday 1 August: M.A.D Night Aikman Hall
17-20 August: HICES Music Festival, Stanwell Tops
Sunday 24 August: State Band Championships, Penrith
Ms Liz Sargeant
Head of the Arts
New Zealand Model United Nations Trip
The NZ MUN will be taking place from 3-9 July in Wellington, New Zealand.
Why NZMUN?
- International Collaboration: Engage in New Zealand’s largest Model UN event, collaborating with peers from across the Pacific.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a unique Model UN procedure and culture, gaining insights into New Zealand’s political and cultural landscape.
- Educational Enrichment: Participate in workshops, site visits, and consultations with organisations, enhancing your understanding of international relations.
Eligibility:
- Students in Years 10 to 12 (or equivalent).
Residing in any Australian State or Territory
Applications due 6 June 2025
Students to apply HERE
Evatt NSW Regional Round
Last week, Scots All Saints College hosted the regional round of Evatt NSW, the state round of Australia’s premier debating and diplomacy competition.
The competition takes the form of a mock session of the United Nations Security Council. We entered six teams of two students, each representing one of the fifteen member states in negotiations to settle threats to global peace. The students enjoyed the day, displaying effective skills in negotiation, teamwork, research, and diplomacy from the perspective of their assigned nation. Convenors from the United Nations Youth judge the competition, and the most effective diplomats may be selected to proceed to the State Finals.
Mrs Sarah O’Neill
Learning Support Teacher
