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The Roar - Issue 4 Term 1 2025

Contents

Head of College - Mr Richard Ford

At present, the College’s Sheep and Cattle Teams are busily preparing for their first big outing of the year to the Blayney Show. With thirty-five students in the Sheep Team and thirty-six in the Cattle Team, there is a good chance you know a student who is involved and so do plan to come, if you can, out to Blayney on the morning of Saturday 22 March to support students and the College as they compete. Thank you to Mrs Dawes, Ms Earney and Mr Inwood for all they are doing to prepare students.

Just before the Blayney Show, we look forward to welcoming to the College for the first time a team of Space loving scientists with whom I am sure many students will be keen to connect. I am certainly looking forward to getting out on the oval at night and looking through one of the 8-inch Dobsonian Telescopes the team are bringing with them. Thank you to Mrs Pearce and the Science Team who are helping to facilitate this visit. Do be quick to sign up for this opportunity if you are interested.

Even though the days are still warm and winter is a while away, some students are already very much thinking about getting ready for Winter Sport. It is terrific to see this enthusiasm and no doubt student’s pre-season efforts will help see them first to the ball across a range of codes and better able to enjoy their sport.

I encourage all Senior School students to make good use of the Strength and Conditioning facility, which is open most mornings and afternoons. This week, our new Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Hansell, introduced me to bench pressing, so do not hesitate if you are a novice when it comes to navigating a gym. I left inspired to be more regular with fitness, and I am sure that if you get along, you will have a similar experience. Whatever your sport may be, Mr Hansell has the knowledge and experience to help develop personalised programs which will help students be more prepared for the winter season or simply more energised for each day of life and learning.

Mr Richard Ford
Head of College

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Chaplain

It seemed odd. The speed limit on Havannah Street is 60 km/h. And the road is punctuated by roundabouts and scattered with potholes. And yet, one after the other, I was watching genuine supercars – McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and others, slowly growl along.

The Bathurst 12-hour had just finished, and a few motor racing fans with a taste for fancy cars were travelling home. But it still seemed odd watching these cars on this street. A Lamborghini Huracan can travel with more than 300 clicks and get there in the time it takes to say, ‘I lost my licence today’. But it rolled down Havannah Street at 60, just like everyone else. How frustrating! Can you imagine having all that power and speed at your disposal and yet still being limited by speed limits and bad roads?

I can. Because sometimes life seems as frustrating as that. We want to do better. We want to exceed and excel. We want to achieve things, only to be held back by things that happen to us or around us. Or even by ourselves and our flaws. See, life can be frustrating. How do we help our children balance their hopes and ambitions with the inescapable reality that things won’t always go to plan? As always, I believe the Bible makes the most sense of the hardest questions.

Throughout the Bible, we read that God always works for the good of those who trust him. It won’t always be pleasant. But Romans 5 explains that: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.

God uses even the frustrating and difficult things to shape us into people of endurance, hope and character. The key, of course, is faith. Can we trust that even when our plans are failing, God’s are not? But there is something else. The truth is that the Lamborghini I saw was designed for better roads than Havannah Street. It was designed for smooth highways, autobahns and racetracks. And if our hearts grieve the frustrations, difficulties and challenges of this world, then perhaps that’s a clue that we (too) were designed for a better world. C.S. Lewis wrote: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

This is the other hope that I believe can empower both us and our children. For those who know God, there is a world coming, where the potholes, speed limits and traffic (I speak metaphorically, but also hopefully literally …) will be gone. We will be forever with God, in a restored world – an incredible hope!

Mr Daniel Odell
College Chaplain

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Senior School
NAPLAN 2025 parent and carer information

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.

The public demonstration site is available for you to see the format of the online tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website and the NAP website.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

Australian Youth Space Academy

Scots All Saints College has been lucky enough to secure Matt Dodds and his team from the Australian Youth Space Academy on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March. On these days, workshops will be available for students on Rocketry and Star Gazing. Further information has been sent through Operoo.

Canberra Royal Show

Last week, four of our students represented the College at the Canberra Royal Show. Marcus Wythes, Fraser Wythes, Isabella Irvine and Milly Nevill took two of our Limousin steers with Phil Kirk, the breeder of these exceptional steers.

Click HERE for the full story.

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Junior School

Outdoor Education Camps
The students in Years 3 to 6 have the opportunity to attend a camp each year. These camps are always a key highlight of the year for the students and something we greatly value as a significant learning experience for all who attend.

The development of positive relationships with others and with the environment is facilitated through the outdoor learning experiences provided on these camps. These relationships are essential for the wellbeing and sustainability of individuals, society and our environment. Outdoor learning can be instrumental in teaching and learning self-reliance, interdependence and leadership, developing an adventurous spirit, managing personal risks, learning the value of lifelong outdoor recreation for enjoyment, health and wellbeing and understanding nature through direct experience.

Information and permission notes will be sent out via Operoo to parents in the weeks leading up to the camps. There is an expectation that all students attend these camp experiences.

Year 4 Cru Camp at Galston Gorge 12 to 14 March
Year 3 Dubbo Zoo 30 April and 1 May
Year 6 Cru Camp at Lake Macquarie 14 to 16 May
Year 5 Canberra Excursion 30 July to 1 August

Swimming Age Champions and Runners-Up
This Friday 28 February, at our assembly, we will be presenting the Swimming Age Champions and Runners up with their awards. Congratulations to all students on their high level of participation. It was wonderful to see so many students participating in the form-stroke events to earn points for their House this year.

Clean Up Australia Day
This Friday 28 February is Clean Up Australia Day in the Junior School, celebrating 35 years of encouraging people to clean up their litter.

This year we are going to combine the day (where we collect rubbish just before lunch) with encouraging the students to have a waste-free lunch. We ask that students bring their lunch in recyclable containers so we minimise waste this Friday.

Uniform – Jewellery
A reminder that when wearing the College uniform, students may wear a necklace of religious significance, but it must not be visible, and permission must first be obtained from the Head of Junior School. Students may not wear bracelets, bangles, rings and anklets. Parents or guardians must inform the Head of Junior School if a student is required to wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace. For girls, they are allowed to wear one earring in each ear, which must be a gold or silver stud or sleeper. Please contact me if you have any questions about our uniform policy.

Mr Chris Jackman
Head of Junior School

NAPLAN 2025 parent and carer information

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.

The public demonstration site is available for you to see the format of the online tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website and the NAP website.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

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Sports


Sports Draw

We are thrilled to announce that Daniel Hansell has joined our team as the new Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. With his extensive experience in the field, Daniel is eager to work with our students and help them reach their full potential.

The gym will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and Monday through Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Additionally, Daniel will run the Strength and Conditioning sessions during active afternoons on Thursdays.

Congratulations to the following students selected to represent WAS in their respective sports and will now attend AICES trials either this term or early next term.

Basketball
Charlotte Bennett – 16s
Sian Campbell – 16s
Quinn Dicker – 16s
Jedd Davies – 16s
Evan Goldsmith – 16s
Nate Grabham – 16s
Sophie Lewis – Opens
Kate Proctor – Opens
Adellaide Wilkinson – Opens
Lincoln Craft – Opens
Baxter Killiby – Opens
Louis Meurer – Opens
Stone Ricketts – Opens

Netball
Kate Proctor – Opens
Seona Chapman – Opens
Teagan Chapman – Opens Shadow
Vesper Pearce – 15s
Quinn Dicker – 15s
Georgia Howorth – 15s

Hockey
Annabelle Webb – Opens
Lydia Allcorn – Opens
Laura Moorhead – Opens
Emily Tallentire – Opens
Sophia Burke – Opens
Tahlia O’Connell – Opens
Michelle Hazeldine – Opens Shadow
Lewis Allcorn – Opens
Isla Allcorn – 15s
Georgina Webb – 15s
Isabelle Ortiger – 15s
Lucy Tallentire – 15s
Grace Yeo – 15s

Well done to Ethan English and Amelia Craft, who have been selected to represent HICES at the CIS Primary Basketball trials.

Mr Beau McClintock
Director of Sport and Activities

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Book Buzz

The term has well and truly picked up pace and it’s been a busy week across both campuses with students availing themselves of all we have on offer in the College libraries.

This week in 3-6 lessons, we tested how well we know our library layout with a scavenger hunt which had us racing from shelf to shelf in search of books. Year 3 began their library novel study of ‘The BFG’ while Year 4 began reading ‘Huda and Me’ and Year 6 Sonya Hartnett’s ‘The Silver Donkey’. We look forward to delving deeper into these books over the rest of the term.

Orders for the latest issue of Scholastic Book Club have now closed. Mrs Mackay will distribute orders to classes as soon as they arrive.

Over on the Senior School Campus, we have introduced a new zoning system at lunchtime to provide quiet spaces for the many students who wish to utilise our library areas in break times. The zones for reading, gaming and homework have all been signposted as we get used to the new layout.

Library monitor applications closed this week. Successful applicants will be presented with their badges at our next assembly.

Years 7-11 debating teams have now been entered in the HICES Debating Competition. Round 1 will commence in March.

The Roar Recommends

Junior Campus
Younger Readers

Tomorrow by Mark Macleod

Older Readers

The Kensington Reptilarium by N.J. Gemmel

Senior Campus
Junior Readers

The Book of Lies By James Moloney

Senior Readers

Beautiful Mess By Claire Christian

Happy Reading!

Mrs Angela Davis
Head of Library Services

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Careers

Year 12 Future Talk – Demystifying University & The Future World of Work
Organisation: University of Wollongong
Location: Online
Date: 3 March 2025

Future Talk is a series of online information sessions designed specifically for a student’s support crew. If you’re a parent or carer who is navigating the HSC, too, we’ve got your back.

This session breaks down the language of higher education, offering practical strategies to support young people in making positive post-school decisions with confidence. We’ll explore key trends in education and the workforce – locally, nationally, and globally – along with the impact of AI and emerging technologies on future career opportunities.

Find out more and register

REMINDER – three places available
WHITE CARD – NSW Construction
Wednesday 2 April, 8:45 am-3:00 pm
Onsite: Scots All Saints College
Cost: $130

If your son or daughter wishes to gain this qualification, please register their name with Ms Jones. The cost is $130 and will be billed to your account. It will be held at school and will run from 8:45-2:00 pm. Max 20 students.

University of Wollongong – Discover day
UOW Discovery Day

Last week, a wonderful group of Year 12 students capitalised on an opportunity to travel down to the University of Wollongong’s Discovery Day. This subsidised trip provided a chance for our intrepid adventurers to step out of their comfort zones and experience life as a Uni student.

The day was a full day of lectures. Our students pre-registered for different lectures according to their personal interests. Students attended lectures ranging from engineering to teaching, pre-med to linguistics, law to cyber security, digital and social media to business. It was a fantastic day that had a tangible impact on some of our students. Days like these are never a waste of time, when you can visualise yourself somewhere; you then have a focus and something to work towards.

Congratulations to the students who attended; you took time out of your busy schedule and have started gathering information as to what possibly could be next for you!

Year 12 – Regional University Roadshow
The Regional University Roadshow will be visiting the Senior School Campus on Tuesday 4 March. Representatives from the University of New England (UNE), Southern Cross, University of Newcastle (UON) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) will attend. These representatives will provide information in regard to their Universities, plus advice on the application process, scholarships, and living away from home. This will be held at lunchtime in the Aikman Hall. All students from Year 7 up are welcome to attend along with Year 12 cohort.

Charles Sturt Explore Day
Organisation: Charles Sturt University
Location: CSU Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie Campuses
Date: 4 March to 25 March 2025

Are you in Years 10, 11 or 12? Then Explore Day is your chance to check out what life at Charles Sturt University is like.

Explore Day features lots of workshops you can take part in based on careers and courses you’re interested in. You’ll need to book a spot in any workshop you’d like to attend.

You’ll be able to:

  • talk to academics about courses and careers.
  • attend tours of facilities and social spaces.
  • enjoy a delicious morning tea on arrival and a free lunch.
  • bring along your parents or carers, teachers and friends. All our buildings are accessible, so if you’re a person with disabilities, you’ll be able to take part in everything.

 

Bathurst
11 March, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Wagga Wagga
18 March, 9:00 am-2:15 pm

Find out more and register

Your Passport to an International Career: Bachelor of International Studies
Organisation: University of Sydney
Location: Online
Date: 5 March 2025

Ever dreamt of making a global impact? In Sydney’s Bachelor of International Studies, you will dive into the world’s most challenging issues and gear up for a career that knows no borders – be it in business, diplomacy, policy-making, or advocating in a global civil society. Join our webinar and discover how our degree can help you navigate the global arena. Don’t just watch the world change – be the change!

Find out more and register

WEPTalk
Organisation: World Education Program
Location: Online
Date: 6 March 2025

Join us online as we present information about WEP and our student exchange programs, including the best time to go, which countries offer which program, information about host families, schools, and all other things student exchange!

Find out more and register

UNSW Aviation Information Session
Organisation: University of New South Wales
Location: Online
Date: 6 March 2025

As air traffic continues to increase, the industry needs more airline pilots and aviation professionals to meet demand. Hear from UNSW Aviation staff and students and find out how you can kick-start your career in this important industry.

Discover the exciting world of aviation at UNSW as our speakers delve into their personal experiences and share their insights into the broad range of career opportunities in the aviation sector.

Connect with our staff and students during the Q&A to discover the diverse range of student experience opportunities on offer at UNSW and get all your questions answered.

Find out more and register

Holiday Workshop – Performance, Sydney
Organisation: Australian Institute of Music
Location: AIM Sydney Campus
Date: 14 April 2025

AIM’s new school holiday workshop is designed for high school students interested in music performance. Created for students in Years 9-12, the workshops provide incredible opportunities to experience playing and performing music, mentored by AIM’s accomplished musicians and educators.

Learn, practice and perform contemporary and classic pop, rock and soul tunes under the expertise of Australia’s leading music mentors.

Find out more and register

Mrs Helen Jones
Career Development Officer

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Events & Announcements
School Photos

Junior School photo days: Monday 3 March, and Tuesday 4 March 2025

Tickets are still on sale! All Junior and Senior parents and carers are warmly invited to join us for this signature annual social event.

Ticket price includes hot and cold canapés and a selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Please note this is an adults only event.

Saturday 1 March 2025

6-10pm

$55 per person

RSVP as soon as you can!

Click HERE

 

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From The Archives
Boarding life in the early days!

We have recently received a book written by an Old Bathurstian, Ross ‘Rusty’ Baker (ASC 1956-61), titled Letters from a Boarder, where he records his life as a boarder at All Saints’ after rediscovering the letters he wrote home to his family. His recollections are amazingly detailed, and he has included photos, images, and other memorabilia in this book.

Ross gives anecdotal accounts of the kinds of things boys in boarding get up to – some amusing and some not so! His letters also give detailed weather reports (he suffered from chilblains), sports results (Ross was a very good sportsman – particularly tennis), and other interesting pieces of information about teachers, his exam results, cadet camps, other students and events from a teenage boy’s perspective.

One interesting story was about smoking at school. Apparently, the place to smoke was the upstairs section of the recreation hall – now Kemmis, there would always be someone on ‘Nits’- the lookout for the Master on Duty. One boy in his class was the only boy in the school legally allowed to smoke, and the reason was for health reasons! He suffered from asthma, and the School Doctor said that smoking would help his breathing!

Another story is about the times the boys would venture out of the school after lights out and go to the Railway pub in town. They would doctor their beds in case the Duty Master did a head count! He does mention school food and how unappetising it was.

On one occasion at breakfast, the boarding community “had quite a riot – It was all about our breakfast because God hadn’t quite prepared us for, ’what we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful’. Grace was always said before all meals … On this morning, first we received cold burnt porridge and cold tea, followed by the ‘icing on the cake’ burnt baked beans. The riot consisted of banging knives, forks, spoons or whatever on the tables”. The result of this was the Headmaster ordered 300 hot pies from the bakery in town, which the boarders had for recess.

Ross concludes his biographical account with this:

“Boarding school is not everyone’s cup of tea but it did provide an education as well as life experiences that prepare you for the real world later on. And that it did in spades!”

A copy of his book is in the Old Bathurstians’ Museum.

Mrs Memory Sanders
Archives

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Calendar

Friday 28 February 
JS Clean Up Australia Day

Saturday 1 March
Evening Under the Stars, Karalee Lawn Senior School
ISA Sports Round 10

Monday 3 March
JS School Photos

Tuesday 4 March
JS School Photos

Friday 7 March
WAS Swimming (KWS)

Sunday 16 March
Past Students vs College First XI Cricket Match, Hector Oval 10:00am

The latest Term Dates can be found on our website HERE

SS: Senior School   JS: Junior School

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