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The Roar - Issue 6 Term 1 2026

Contents

Head of College - Mr Richard Ford

Emily Watts

Emily Watts (Class of 2019) returned to the College on Monday to share about her journey as an endurance athlete during and since finishing school.

Given several students have just competed for the school in Triathlon, a number of students were able to fully appreciate just how demanding the competitions in which Emily competes must be.

Emily reminded students of the importance of breaking down larger goals into smaller parts. She also spoke of the support she received from her family and teachers as she worked towards her goals.

In addition to Emily’s successes as an athlete, she has completed teacher education training at the University of Sydney, and this year is managing to fit in three days per week of teaching PDHPE on top of a gruelling training programme.

Co-curricular Success

Congratulations to the Cattle Team on a highly successful day at the Blayney Show, which included winning Champion and Reserve Champion Steer.

Equally impressive the previous weekend was the win the 1st Girls team had at Macquarie University, where they were crowned Champions.

Good luck to all Cricket and Basketball teams playing in Finals this week.

Mr Justin Adams

After more than two decades working on the Senior School Campus, Mr Justin Adams has provided notice of his intention to complete his service to the College.

Mr Adams faithfully served The Scots School Bathurst as Sports Master and Head of PDHPE. Subsequently, Justin has made a significant contribution to Scots All Saints College as Director of Co-Curricular, Acting Deputy Head and Head of Senior School.

Mr Adams has expressed to me his gratitude for the opportunities he and his family have had as part of the school community and the honour it has been to serve the school and see his own children experience an outstanding education.

Currently, Mr Adams is travelling overseas and enjoying well-earned Long Service Leave. When he returns, we look forward to holding some fitting farewells, which will include an opportunity for students to express their gratitude to Mr Adams.

A recruitment process to appoint a new Head of Senior School will commence immediately. While this process occurs, Mr Daniel Odell will continue to serve as Acting Head of Senior School.

I am thankful to Mr Odell for the leadership he has provided to the Senior School already this year and appreciate the support the Senior School community have provided to him.

Mr Richard Ford
Head of College

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Senior School

Leadership Lunch with Emily Watts

We had the honour of welcoming Australian endurance athlete and College alumna, Emily Watts, to Senior School as guest speaker for our first Leadership Lunch for 2026.

Year 6 students joined Senior School students and several parents to hear Emily speak about her time as a student at the College, and how she balanced her training and schoolwork. Emily also spoke of the inspiration she drew from her teachers, including Mr Justin Adams, and how this led her to undertake a teaching degree. After speaking with students, Emily generously fielded questions, then took Year 6 students to the Strength and Conditioning Gym, where she challenged them to beat her cycling speed. Try as they might, no one could beat Emily!

Thank you for visiting and inspiring us, Emily!

Scots All Saints dominate steer classes at Blayney Show

Our first show is always a busy one, with all of our cattle having their first outing and many students experiencing their very first show.

We had a wonderfully successful day with Scots All Saints dominating the steer classes, taking both Champion and Reserve Champion Steer. Matilda Penfold’s and Ally Gill’s steer took the win in the heavyweight class and went on to take out the Champion Steer.

To read the full story click HERE

Biology Excursion

On Wednesday 4 March, 22 biology students travelled to Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, located on the Hawkesbury River, to complete an ecological study. While on the excursion, students were engaged in an authentic and rich firsthand investigation on the population dynamics between the Spotted-Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). The day’s activities gave students the opportunity to develop practical skills in ecosystem analysis.

The day was broken into three activities:

Activity 1 – Abiotic components of the ecosystem
Students used scientific equipment to assess various abiotic parameters of the local ecosystem.

Activity 2 – Vegetation transect and habitat assessment
Students used a site-specific vegetation ID book to identify plant species and graph them along a transect. Students then conducted a habitat assessment of the local ecosystem.

Activity 3 – Nest box camera survey (welcome area)
Students used a map and GPS to navigate to a selection of our species-specific nest boxes. They then used innovative remote cameras to view inside nest boxes and record use or evidence of use, with most groups finding a nesting ring-tailed possum.
Students then viewed Camera traps to analyse and record footage from wildlife camera traps.

The class agreed that it was an invaluable experience and well worth the travel. Students will now analyse the data collected and produce a report based on their findings.

Evening Under the Stars

Our annual College community social event, Evening Under the Stars, was a wonderful opportunity to gather on a lovely evening (the rain held out!), to enjoy incredible live music, delicious food and the good company of new and old friends. This event is co-hosted by our fantastic P&F Association, who were well represented on the night and helped draw the lucky door and bingo prizes.

Thank you to all our College families and staff for joining us for this enjoyable evening, and to our Pipes and Drums Band for opening the evening so beautifully.

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Junior School

NAPLAN Technical Issues

As you may have been made aware, NAPLAN testing was impacted yesterday by technical issues with the national assessment platform. ACARA recognises the impact that the disruption caused during their NAPLAN writing assessments, and has apologised unreservedly. Whilst Year 5 students did log into the NAPLAN browser, no Year 5 students started the writing assessment due to technical issues and as a result, have not been disadvantaged. Year 5 will undertake the writing assessment tomorrow.

HICES Swimming Carnival

Today, we have our Junior School Swimming team at the Sydney Aquatic Centre in Homebush competing in the Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools (HICES) Swimming Carnival. Students have been selected for the Junior School team as a result of their fine performances at the school carnival.

da Vinci Decathlon

Next Thursday 19 March, some of our Year 5 and 6 students will be competing in the Central West Division of the da Vinci Decathlon, which will be held on the Senior School Campus. Schools from all over the Central West compete in this test of general knowledge and problem-solving across a wide range of disciplines. I wish the students well in their endeavours.

Harmony Day
Next week, we will be joining with many Australians in celebrating Australia’s amazing cultural diversity on Friday 20 March. Students are encouraged to wear as much orange as they can. Harmony Week is a time to celebrate that Australia is one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. It is all about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a core set of Australian values.

Picnic On The Oval

We welcome all Prep and Junior School families to join us for the Picnic on the Oval on Friday 27 March from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. This event will provide an opportunity for parents to meet the parents of other children in their child’s class. Please bring a packed picnic dinner. No alcoholic drinks allowed please.

No Dogs allowed on Campus

Could parents please refrain from bringing dogs onto the Junior School Campus at drop-off and pick-up time. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), Section 14, dogs are prohibited on school grounds unless the Head of College grants permission.

Traffic on Junior School Campus

Could I please ask that all parents and visitors adhere to the 15 km/h speed limit when driving on campus roads. Could people also take extra caution when driving near pedestrian crossings. Please wait for people to get completely over the road and off the crossing before you move your car.

Mr Chris Jackman
Head of Junior School

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Sports

Sports Draw

On Wednesday 11 March, our Under 18s Girls Rugby team competed in the Waratah Shield competition in Orange. The girls faced MacKillop College and Dubbo College in a round-robin series of matches.

Our team showed great determination and resilience throughout the day, putting up a strong fight in both games. They showcased the skills and improvement they have developed through weeks of dedicated training sessions.

Well done to all players for their efforts, and thank you to our coaches for their ongoing support.

Summer Sport Finals

Best of luck to our Under 16s Cricket team and the 7/8A Girls, 7/8A Boys, and 9/10A Boys Basketball teams as they compete in their finals fixtures this week.

Mr Beau McClintock
Director of Sport and Activities

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Book Buzz

Week 6 is upon us, and the library is abuzz with activity across both campuses. Our 3-6 library lessons saw us continue our Roald Dahl novel studies. Year 3 dove back into ‘Matilda,’ exploring the contrasting figures of Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey, while considering their own version of an ‘ideal teacher.’ Year 4 had fun exercising their imagination, creating a new chocolate bar to be sold by Wonka’s Chocolate Factory as part of their study of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, and Year 5 continued working on their witchy character creations in conjunction with Dahl’s ‘The Witches’.

On the senior campus, applications for the positions of library monitor are now open and being considered, with new monitors to be appointed ready in time for the start of Term 2. In other library news, HICES Debating will shortly commence with the first round of debates scheduled to take place in late March. It’s not too late to add your name to the team lists. See Mrs Davis in the library to join.

The Roar Recommends

Junior Campus

Younger Readers     

         

Older Readers     

Senior Campus

Junior Readers  

Senior Readers

Happy Reading!

Mrs Angela Davis
Head of Library Services

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Careers

High School Exchange Program | Live Information Session

Organisation: Student Exchange Australia New Zealand

Location: Online

Date: 16 March 2026

Join our live online information session to learn how a high school exchange program works, what daily life looks like for students overseas and how our team supports every step from preparation to return.

The session covers destinations, program options, eligibility, safety and wellbeing, scholarships, discounts and the application process. Parents gain clarity and reassurance. Students gain inspiration and a real sense of what an exchange experience can offer.

Discover how a high school exchange program builds confidence, independence and future‑ready skills for students who are ready to live as locals overseas.

Find out more

Strategies for HSC Success Webinar – University of Newcastle and InspirationED

Organisation: InspirationED

Location: Online

Date: 16 March 2026

The University of Newcastle has partnered with InspirationED to host a practical, insight‑packed webinar designed specifically for Year 11 and 12 students (and their parents).

Led by a Senior HSC Marker, this session delves into effective study techniques, exam hacks, and strategies for excelling in HSC assessment tasks. Whether you’re beginning your HSC preparations or seeking to enhance your performance, this webinar is your gateway to unlocking academic success with expert insights and practical advice.

Students will also have the chance to hear from a current University of Newcastle Student Ambassador about their experiences studying and our Early Entry Program.

Find out more

University of Newcastle Parents and Carers Info Session – Orange

Organisation: University of Newcastle

Location: Orange Ex-Services’ Club

Date: 17 March 2026

If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our free Parents and Carers Info Session.

Parents and Carers will have the opportunity to hear from University staff and current students, with a presentation touching on areas such as:

  • Our different entry schemes, such as the Early Entry Program, the Schools Recommendation Scheme and Year 12 Subject Spotlight
  • Our campus locations, guaranteed accommodation, scholarships and more
  • Student experience and support services available

Following this, there will be an opportunity for Q&As if you have any specific inquiries.

Students are welcome to attend as well!

UQ Medicine Information Evening, Online

Organisation: University of Queensland

Location: Online

Date: 18 March 2026

Attend our information session to learn about studying medicine at The University of Queensland (UQ).

Hear from UQ Medical School staff, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ, and tips for success.

What’s involved:

  • Learn about admission requirements and how to apply for the Doctor of Medicine (MD).
  • Gain insight into UQ’s MD program structure, clinical placements, learning experiences and student support.
  • Explore entry pathways, including partnerships with CQUniversity and UniSQ.
  • Hear from UQ Medical School academics about UQ’s new medical pathway.
  • Hear insights from recent graduates and current students.
  • Participate in an interactive Q&A with alumni and current students.

Find out more

Future Students

Organisation: University of Sydney

Location: Online

Date: 18 March 2026

Wondering about a career in health or biomedicine? Or a path that leads to—research, medicine, public health, or something entirely new?

Join our webinar to uncover the possibilities with the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health, delivered at the heart of a world-class health and research hub at Westmead. Learn how this degree opens doors to careers in health, hospital services, and public health, and serves as a pathway to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health programs. Discover how this degree opens doors to exciting careers and future study options.

Find out more

UNSW Aviation Information Session

Organisation: University of New South Wales

Location: Online

Date: 18 March 2026

Are you interested in a career in aviation? Join UNSW online on Wednesday 18 March from 6:00 pm–7:00 pm AEDT for an interactive webinar with Q&A.

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

University of Newcastle Parents and Carers Info Session – Bathurst

Organisation: University of Newcastle

Location: The Greens on William

Date: 18 March 2026

If you have a child who is currently completing senior studies, come visit us for our Parents and Carers Info Session.

Parents and Carers will have the opportunity to hear from University staff and current students, with a presentation touching on areas such as:

  • Our different entry schemes, such as the Early Entry Program, Schools Recommendation Scheme & Year 12 Subject Spotlight
  • Our campus locations, accommodation, scholarships and more
  • Student experience and support services available

Following this, there will be an opportunity for Q&As if you have any specific inquiries.

Students are welcome to attend as well!

Find out more

A Place for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to Roles in the Screen Industry

Organisation: Screen Careers

Location: Online

Date: 21 March 2026

This session is an introduction to the industry and the crew careers. Crew or Below The Line workers are the people who make the magic happen.

Find out more

Your Passport to an International Career: Bachelor of International Studies at the University of Sydney – Webinar for Future Students

Organisation: University of Sydney

Location: Online

Date: 25 March 2026

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

UNSW Year 10 and 11 Experience Days

Location: University of New South Wales

Date:13 April to 15 April 2026

Join us on campus for a UNSW Experience Day to discover what it’s like to be a UNSW student. You’ll explore different skills and pathways through interactive workshops about study areas you’re interested in.

What to expect:

  • Choose from 40+ different workshops across business, engineering, humanities, law, science, and more
  • Connect with current students and alumni
  • Explore UNSW’s buzzing campus lifestyle
  • Enjoy a free lunch from delicious food trucks

Workshop Areas Include:

  • Business & Commerce: Banking & Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering: Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Materials Science, Space & Aerospace
  • Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Politics, Philosophy and Economics
  • Law & Criminal Justice: Legal studies and criminology
  • Plus many more specialised areas

You’ll need to select one morning and one afternoon workshop to attend on your chosen day. Workshops may fill up quickly, so have backup options ready.

Find out more

Mrs Helen Jones
Career Development Officer

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Events & Announcements

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From The Archives

Alan McLucas

Alan McLucas has perhaps not had the recognition he deserves in the story of The Scots School. Don Wiburd expressed this and remarked that McLucas was “a very decent fellow”. He rates an entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. Biography – Allen Ernest McLucas – Australian Dictionary of Biography

Alan McLucas commenced at The Scots School in June 1949.  Having been a resident of Queensland up until 1949, McLucas found himself in the middle of a Bathurst winter.  Industrial action in the coal mining industry often threatened supplies needed to fire the school boiler; a problem overcome through the contacts available to Council Member and parent Ivor Hector.

Staffing was also a problem. A diary he kept of his first six months at Scots records that finding good teaching staff was difficult, and the State Register of Teachers did not always offer promising candidates, although he did make a few notable appointments, such as Don Wiburd.  Good domestic staff were also hard to find. At one stage in 1949, Alan McLucas fired many of the domestic staff who were refusing to do aspects of their work. One kitchen staff member declared it was not her job to peel potatoes. Post-war inflationary economic conditions were still an issue, and money had to be found to pay extra to retain staff. One solution that he did find was to recruit staff from the Bathurst migrant camp, and a number of Baltic and other immigrants were employed as cooks, cleaners and grounds staff.

When Alan McLucas took over in 1949, the total enrolment at Scots was 62. He reported on Speech Day 1951 that the numbers for that year had reached 95. McLucas commented that every nook and cranny of the school was occupied by a boy, a classroom or a boarding space. This necessitated further building work. This began with the construction of a Headmaster’s flat, which freed up space in Karralee for boys’ accommodation.

Early in 1952, the first stage of Cooerwull House was built around the flat, providing three dormitories to accommodate 63 boys. Additional staff accommodation allowed him to employ some extra teaching staff. The Dining Hall was enlarged, and a Science laboratory opened at the southern end of the Stable Block. Extensive work was also done, funded largely by the Parents and Friends, to establish what is now Hector Oval. The Annual Report for 1952, which has been found just this week, states that there were 127 boys at the end of Mr McLucas’s last full year at Scots.

Academically, in 1949, Scots was taking some tentative steps into senior secondary education. At the time, boys in the later secondary years completed their schooling at Scots in Sydney. At the end of 1949, McLucas announced that in the future, Scots Bathurst would offer classes for both the Intermediate and Leaving Certificates. In his diary, he recorded that he did not see Scots Bathurst as a feeder school for Scots Sydney.  Another notable event from his career was the foundation of the Cadet Unit in 1951 with John Bulkeley as C.O. The Cadets Unit was also founded in 1951 during his time.

Early in 1953, Alan McLucas took up a position as Headmaster of Brisbane Boys’ College. John Bulkeley was appointed to the first of three stints as Acting Headmaster until a replacement could be found. Alan McLucas had a very successful time as Head of BBG. Its enrolments increased in his time there, and he initiated a building program. In 1956, he replaced Guthrie Wilson as Head of Scots Bellevue Hill. His last years there were marred by acrimony over his perceived traditionalist religious views on one hand, and educational views that were considered too revolutionary. There is evidence in his Bathurst diary that he was not a convinced supporter of the use of the cane. He resigned in 1965. Alan McLucas went back to the classroom as a teacher at Barker College until he died suddenly in 1967.

The College is grateful to Mr John McLucas, who arrived at Scots in 1949 as a six-year-old, who has donated a number of letters and photos to the Betty Ives Archives Centre, a tray that was given to him on his departure from Scots, and a silver cigarette case.  This has ensured that the McLucas era is well documented.

Mr Andrew Maher
Archives

Photo 1: An undated photo of Alan McLucas at his desk. This office is now the Reception area on the left on entering Karralee.

Photo 2: Rugby First XV 1952. (Front row- left to right) M. Shafferman, J. Richardson, K. Wikner, S. Cheng.  (Middle row- left to right) B.Napier, John Naismith, Mr. A. E. Mclucas, D Mill, Alan Napier, E. Woo. (Back row- left to right) Mr Boyd Richardson, T Goninan, C, Simpson, Richard Gurevitch, D, Cheng, David Russell, Isaac Givorschner, J. Gunnell, P. Kidston, Mr Weatherall (Sports Master).

Photo 3: Cooerwull House takes shape in 1951. Isaac Givorshner, A. or B. Napier, K. Wikner, M. Phillips S. or W. Cheng. Workplace Health and Safety requirements around building sites were evidently not a concern in 1951!

Photo 4: The Scots School Cadet Unit was formed during Alan McLucas’ time as Headmaster.  This is a very early photograph from 1951 with Lt. John Bulkeley commanding the parade.

Photo 5: Old Boys from the early days of the school remembered “Myrtle”, the school car. On the occasion that Myrtle was photographed (most likely 1950), she had brought some boys to a school picnic on Mt Panorama.

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Calendar

Friday 13 March 
NAPLAN

Monday 16 March
Young Rural Achievers Interviews
P&F Meeting Senior School 7:00 pm
NAPLAN

Tuesday 17 March
Senior School Morning Tour
CSU Explore Day
SS ISA Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 18 March
da Vinci Decathlon Years 9/10

Thursday 19 March
da Vinci Decathlon Years 5/6

The latest Term Dates can be found on our website HERE

SS: Senior School   JS: Junior School

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