Monday 8 December • Junior School Fun Day - further information to be provided
Tuesday 9 December • Junior School Final Assembly 9am
Wednesday 10 December • Senior School Final Assembly 9am
Wednesday 10 December • Speech Day (Years 3-12) 10.30am
Wednesday 10 December • Final Day of School 2025. School concludes at 12pm - further information to be provided
Principal • Mark Hemphill
NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL Much progress has been made on our new Junior School over the past month. The K–2 building (former Library) is forging ahead, with internal works such as ceilings and walls now being finalised following the installation of glazing. Externally, rendering and window installation are complete, marking another exciting milestone in the project. Work is also progressing well on the new Years 3–6 building, with the roof completed, the lining of the lantern underway, glazing being installed, and internal fit-out beginning. We look forward to sharing more information about the timeline for completion and the plans for the start of 2026 as details are confirmed.
BOARDING HOUSE REFURBISHMENT In two weeks, we will commence refurbishing the top annex in the Girls’ Boarding House. We have secured the services of a local Builder and Joiner who will construct modular bedroom facilities. This is a six-week project that is planned to be completed by Christmas. The refurbishment of this annex is the first in a series of exciting projects planned over the next three to five years. Our Boarding renovations need to be very carefully planned as we only have short windows of opportunity to complete any renovations each year, between when our Year 12 Students finish their HSC Exams in early November and external organisations use our Boarding facilities in early to mid-January. Therefore, we need to plan our renovations into 6-to-7-week blocks. The refurbishment of our upper annex will increase capacity and allow another 5 girls to board, alleviating some demand. We feel our architects have done a wonderful job in designing the modular pods and hope our Boarding Community are excited about having renovated Boarding Houses over the next few years.
JUNIOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER We are very excited that our new Junior School Playground has been ordered! We are going to give members of our community the opportunity to be able to purchase an element of the playground e.g. the slide, the tower, the monkey bars, through an online auction later in the year. Donors will then have their donation acknowledged through either an honour board or a small plaque. We hope that our community get behind this exciting fundraiser as we know our Junior School Students will love the new Playground. We will provide more details about the fundraiser later in the Term.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS Congratulations to the Senior School Students who recently completed a four-day, three-night expedition and hike in the Howqua Hills. A very special thanks to Mrs Mary Laughton, Mr Mark Fagan and Ms Jane Mackinlay for accompanying the students. The Duke of Edinburgh is an activity which we highly value at Scots so from 2026 we are making the Duke of Edinburgh Award compulsory for all our Year 9 students to a minimum of Bronze Award.
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRAINING Last Saturday 25 October, our Board Members participated in two governance workshops conducted by AISNSW. The first workshop was ‘Navigating the Intersections: Senior School Boards’ role in Data Governance, Privacy and AI’. The second workshop was ‘Navigating Uncertainty: Crisis Management for Independent School Boards’. Both Workshops were incredibly informative and of great value.
END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS AND DISMISSAL ARRANGEMENTS As the end of the year rapidly approaches, we would like to advise families of the arrangements for our end-of-year celebrations. The Junior School Awards Assembly will be held on Tuesday 9 December at 9.00am. The Senior School Awards Assembly will be held on Wednesday 10 December at 9.00am. Our Speech Day Ceremony for students in Years 3–11 will follow on Wednesday 10 December, commencing at 10.30am.
Families of award-winners for any of these events will be notified via email no later than COB Friday 5 December.
Following Speech Day, the school day will officially conclude for all students from Kindergarten to Year 11 at 12.00pm. An option for care and supervision until 3.20pm will be provided by the School for students who require it. Further information about these arrangements will be provided to all families soon.
YEAR 12 HSC The 2025 HSC concludes next Friday 7 November. A huge congratulations to our year 12 students on completing their HSC, for their hard work, commitment and dedication. Our Year 12 students have been an absolute credit to their families. We look forward to celebrating with the year 12 students and their families at the year 12 Graduation on Saturday 15 November. We then look forward to celebrating with the Year 12 students when they receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.
Head of Senior School • Janine Haymes
We are well and truly in the thick of the HSC exam period, and our Year 12 students are showing remarkable composure and confidence as they navigate this final academic milestone. Many have emerged from exams feeling in control, even expressing unexpected emotion—not from stress, but from a sense of closure. One student, after completing Modern History, shared how sad they felt that it was all over. This speaks volumes about the pride they take in their learning and the relationships they've built along the way. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team supporting our students: Ms Mary Laughton for her seamless coordination of special provisions, and Ms Kym Armstrong, Ms Amanda Ross, Mr Matt Patching and Mr Rob Cowan for their calm presence in the examination space and the extra layers of care they’ve provided. Two more weeks to go—and we’re cheering them on every step of the way.
On the sporting front, our Year 7 and 8 Rugby teams have made us proud with their outstanding performances in the Steamers Cup. Both teams reached the final two—a testament to their grit, teamwork and determination. Our girls’ team came away victorious against Wodonga Catholic College, with Lucy Kilgour (Year 8) named best on ground for her fierce play and unwavering spirit. The boys were just pipped at the post by Trinity in a hard-fought match. It’s been especially heartening to see older students stepping into coaching and mentoring roles, modelling leadership and school spirit. Particular thanks to Will Bourke (Year 11), Aliera Tucker (Year 11), Charlotte Packer (Year 10) and Rollo Nickolls (Year 10) for their guidance and encouragement. The coordination and leadership of our Head of Sport, Mr Tim Kennedy, continues to support and strengthen our program. Thank you to all the families and friends who came down to support the team.
Academic excellence continues to shine at Scots, with students embracing inquiry, innovation and enterprise. Congratulations to David Kingma (Year 8), whose project—Investigating the effect of smoke and flame on the arc distance of high voltage transmission lines—has been selected for an award in the 2025 STANSW Young Scientist Awards. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to David’s curiosity, rigour and scientific thinking. Meanwhile, our Year 10 Commerce students have also made their mark, earning recognition in the Youth Small Business Awards for their creative and practical design of business apps. These successes reflect the strength of our learning culture and the way our students are applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Our Duke of Edinburgh participants recently returned from a four-day, three-night hike through the stunning Howqua Hills—an experience marked by breathtaking views, steep climbs, cold nights and a touch of rain and snow. Around the campfire, stories were shared and spirits lifted, with the support and positivity of the group shining through every challenge. A sincere thank you to Mr Mark Fagan, Ms Mary Laughton and Ms Jane Mackinlay for accompanying the students and helping make this memorable journey possible.
Preparations are already underway for our 2026 school musical, Bring It On—and the excitement is building. It’s been wonderful to see our Year 9 students stepping up with enthusiasm and creativity, as part of their Year 9 LM program where musical participation is a compulsory and much-valued experience. This opportunity builds confidence, collaboration and a strong sense of community. We’ll be in touch soon with save-the-date details so Year 9 families can mark their calendars and join us in celebrating the journey ahead.
Our Year 11 students have stepped into their final year of schooling with focus and aplomb, embracing both the academic and leadership dimensions of Year 12. The recent Leadership Induction Ceremony marked an important milestone, with the presentation of prefect, sports captain and Year 12 badges—a moment of pride and promise for the students, their families and our whole school community. It’s been encouraging to see them begin their HSC studies with clarity, commitment and a growing sense of purpose. The year ahead holds challenge and opportunity, and they are already rising to meet both.
The Senior School recently welcomed the newly elected Student Representative Council Executive, a group of students who will play a vital role in shaping student voice and strengthening our school community. Congratulations to the following students on their appointment - Isabelle Martin (President), Angus Rae (Vice President), Toby Rae (Treasurer), Rehoboth Gatchessi (Secretary), Lucy Barry & Kirsten McLennan (Publicity) and Lilly Malone, Georgie Smith & Lucy Jacka (Events). We look forward to the leadership, initiative and integrity you will bring to the year ahead.
Our Year 10 students are rallying behind a meaningful cause as they prepare to take part in the Sunshine Walk, raising funds and awareness for local cancer support services. As part of their LM program, they’ve been working on fundraising initiatives that combines teamwork, compassion and community engagement. The walk will take place on Sunday 9 November, and we warmly invite the entire Scots community—students, families and friends—to join the Scots Team. You can register online via the Sunshine Walk website and be part of this powerful show of solidarity and hope.
As we look ahead to the final stretch of the year, there’s still plenty to come—Year 9 and 10 exams, assessments, excursions, mock interviews and moments of joy and connection. It will be a busy term and I look forward to seeing what our students will do with all of these opportunities.
Head of Junior School • Chris Todd
This term we have embraced the theme of Connection, which was launched at our first Junior School Assembly. Connection is central to who we are as a school – connection to each other, our learning, our community, and the wider world. Throughout the term, we are encouraging students to find ways to show kindness each day and to strengthen their connections through small acts that make a big difference.
Our calendar this term is filled with opportunities that bring our school community together. A highlight will be our Junior School Fun Day on Friday 8 December, where students will enjoy a day of celebration – attending the movies, enjoying a daytime school disco, and participating in outdoor games. This event is designed as a joyful way to connect as a school and to celebrate the year’s achievements together.
At this week's assembly our Junior School Student Representative Council presented the projects we will be working on as a school this term. This included a Food Drive to make Hampers to donate at Christmas time. Students will also take time at lunchtime to make Christmas Cards to be given with the Hampers.
We will also be showing our connection to the wider community by supporting National Diabetes Awareness Day on Thursday 13 November. Students will learn more about the importance of awareness and empathy for those living with diabetes and how our collective actions can make a real impact.
Our Sports Leaders continue to play a vital role in fostering connection and inclusion through their Friday lunchtime games sessions, which are a wonderful way for students across year levels to interact and build friendships. A big congratulations to our Junior School SRC for putting these great initiatives together for Term 4.
It was also a pleasure to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 5 & 6 Basketball Teams who competed at the Basketball NSW Schools Cup last week. Both teams represented Scots with pride, teamwork, and determination. A special congratulations to our Girls Team, who won their division competition and will now travel to Sydney to compete at the state finals. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication of Tony Hill (Head of Basketball) and the staff and parents who have developed the Junior School Basketball program this year.
In the classroom, we are continuing our journey of curriculum renewal and refinement. With the new NESA Curriculum being implemented across NSW, our Junior School is well positioned to deliver it through our Explicit Instruction approach. This evidence-based method, rooted in the Science of Reading and the Science of Learning has already delivered strong results in literacy and numeracy. We are working collaboratively to design lessons that are clear, structured, and focused on mastery, ensuring every child knows exactly what they are learning and how to be successful.
As Term 4 unfolds, we are reminded how quickly the year moves. Amidst the busyness of assessments, celebrations, and end-of-year events, it’s important to take time to reflect on just how far our students have come. The growth in confidence, knowledge, and character across our Junior School this year has been remarkable. I am proud of every student for the progress they have made and the contribution they have given to our vibrant learning community.
Director of Boarding • Elsa Kilgour
This month has been nothing short of exciting for our boarding community! From dazzling performances to academic triumphs and spooky celebrations, our boarders have truly embraced every opportunity.
A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE | Last weekend, a group of boarders attended the local production of Mary Poppins, and what a magical experience it was! The show was fantastic, and we were thrilled to see one of our very own boarding staff members, Courtney, grace the stage as part of the talented cast. It was a proud moment for our community and a wonderful reminder of the diverse talents of our Boarding Team.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS | Our boarders continue to shine beyond the classroom walls. Congratulations to David Kingma, who has been nominated for an award in a state-wide Science competition, and to Jesse Murphy, Penny Brooks, and Angus Rae, who have earned nominations in the Teens in Business 2025 awards. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of our students, well done!
CELEBRATING THE ARTS | A special shout-out to Daisy Stratton, who was awarded a prestigious Georgy Award for her exceptional contribution to a production for her role as Assistant Director on Mamma Mia!. Daisy’s creativity and commitment to the arts inspire us all.
SPOOKY FUN | On Wednesday night, the Boarding House transformed into a Halloween wonderland for our annual Dress-Up Dinner. Plenty of costumes, laughter, and a few spooky surprises as we celebrated in true boarding spirit!
2026 Scots Student Leaders Inducted
A big warm welcome to our 2026 Scots Student Leaders, officially inducted during a special ceremony earlier this Term.
These students have been recognised for their outstanding character, leadership potential, and commitment to upholding the values and traditions of The Scots School Albury. As they step into their new roles, they will play an important part in shaping school life, representing their peers, and contributing to the continued strength of our Scots community.
We congratulate all of our newly appointed leaders and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the year ahead.
It’s been a busy and inspiring time for community fundraising across Scots, with families, students and staff coming together to support a range of initiatives — all helping to enhance learning experiences and strengthen community spirit.
Our Junior School Father’s Day Stall raised an amazing $2,753.40, with proceeds going toward the new Junior School development. A huge thank you to all the families who supported this much-loved event and to the tireless Year 1 parent volunteers, led by Victoria Tonkin, for their wonderful efforts.
Meanwhile, our Sunshine Walk initiatives in support of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre continue to thrive, raising an incredible $3,502 so far! Footy Colours Day, along with the pie drive and face painting, raised $2,046; the Year 10 Dance contributed $315; and this week’s Breakfast and Bake Sale added another $1,141 — rounding out a fantastic effort all led by our Year 10 students. Don’t forget to join the Scots Team for the Sunshine Walk on Sunday 9 November — details on how to sign up are included in this newsletter.
Finally, our Preschool community has had the joy of seeing earlier fundraising efforts come to life. Thanks to an incredible $8,018.29 raised previously, they’ve purchased a brand-new Nüdel Cart, providing endless opportunities for creative, hands-on play and exploration.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered or participated — your generosity truly embodies the Scots spirit of community, kindness and action.
Our Senior School production of Mamma Mia! has been celebrated with multiple nominations and a major award at the 52nd Annual Georgy Awards, recognising excellence in school and youth theatre across the region.
Our talented students received nominations in the following categories:
Best Performance in a Junior Production: Clare Barry (Sophie) and Charlotte Findlay (Donna)
Best Singing in a Junior Production: Clare Barry (Sophie) and Charlotte Findlay (Donna)
Best Support Performance in a Junior Production: Matilda Tainton (Rosie), Billy Stewart (Bill), and Matilda Player (Tanya)
Behind the scenes, our dedicated staff and creative team were also nominated for their exceptional work:
Achievement in Direction: Mrs Stacey Hartwich
Achievement in Set Design: Mr Rob Cowan, Mr Gary Hale and Mr James Toohey
Achievement in Choreography: Chantelle Hutchin
At the awards night, Year 12 student Daisy Stratton was honoured with the ‘Exceptional Contribution to a Junior Production’ award for her outstanding work as First Assistant Director.
This recognition reflects the passion, creativity and teamwork that brought Mamma Mia! to life on the Scots stage. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.
Scots Years 5-6 Basketball Teams Excel at NSW Schools Basketball Cup
An incredible few days of basketball in Wagga saw our Years 5 and 6 girls’ and boys’ teams showcase outstanding skill, teamwork and school spirit at the NSW Schools Cup.
Boys: Our two boys’ teams took to the courts with determination and grit. The Scots 1 team fought hard throughout the day, winning one of their three pool games and going down narrowly to the eventual champions. The Scots 2 team, coached by Toby Rae, made an impressive run to the grand final, falling just four points short in a thrilling finish.
Girls: Our girls continued the strong Scots showing. The Scots 2 team, coached by Lucy Bolton, reached the semi-finals, displaying great energy and teamwork. The Scots 1 team, coached by Mr Hill, went undefeated to be crowned Division Two Champions, earning their place at the State Championships in Sydney on November 10.
Congratulations to Scots 1 team members — Year 6 students Eliza Hyde, Sophie Kilgour, Florence Harrison, Alyssa Chinguwa and Adelaide Phillips, along with Year 5 student Beau Deverell — on this outstanding achievement.
A huge thank you also to Aliera Tucker, and our teaching assistants Joe Spurr and Chloe Knight for their invaluable assistance across the two days, and to all coaches, families and supporters who continue to foster the growth of basketball at Scots.
Scots Students Take Aim at Sporting Shooters Competition
Students from our Sporting Shooters team recently competed in the School Clay Target Competition at the Wodonga Range, showcasing impressive skill, focus and composure under pressure.
Despite missing several weeks of training earlier in the term due to wet weather, the 18 participating students demonstrated remarkable improvement and fine shooting throughout the day — even in challenging, windy conditions. The competition involved two rounds of 15 targets, with increasing difficulty in the second round, which students met with determination and skill.
Results: Junior Girls: Winner – Anna Burkinshaw (26/30); Runner-up – Ella Smith (23/30) Senior Girls: Winner – Georgie Smith (22/30, shootout); Runner-up – Ollie Geppart (22/30) Junior Boys: Winner – Jobe Warner (27/30); Runner-up – Harry Younger (24/30) Senior Boys: Winner – Archer Warner (26/30); Runner-up – Jimmy Younger (25/30)
Best Female Shooter: Anna Burkinshaw Best Male Shooter: Jobe Warner
A huge thank you to the Wodonga Clay Target Club and our dedicated volunteers for their support, guidance and organisation. It was a fantastic day that highlighted the growing strength and camaraderie of our Sporting Shooters program.
Wakakirri Honours
The Wakakirri season has come to a close and our students have done an amazing job representing our school. Their performance, "I'm With Her", is a powerful dance that follows a girl’s journey from school to adulthood, confronting the challenges of being female – honouring trailblazing Australian women who inspire strength, resilience and the pursuit of equality.
After an outstanding first-round performance, where they received the Human Rights Story State Award, the Spirit of Wakakirri Award, the team was invited to return for the Awards Evening, where they received a National Award. Congratulations to our incredible Wakakirri team!
A Huge Week of Rugby Union for Scots!
The Steamers Gala Day saw 60 Scots students from Years 7–10 take to the field in a fantastic day of rugby! The event was filled with great spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship — and several of our teams performed so strongly that they progressed to the Grand Finals, that was held under lights at Greenfield Park on Friday 24 October.
Grand Final Performances: Our Year 7 Girls started the evening in style, defeating Catholic College to take home the trophy in their division. Special congratulations to Lucy Kilgour (Year 8) who was named best on ground. The Year 7/8 Boys followed with a thrilling, hard-fought match against Trinity, narrowly going down by just one try.
A special thank you to our senior coaches, students Will Burke, Charlotte Packer, Rollo Nickols, Aliera Tucker and Lucy Bolton for their leadership and guidance across both events. Your support and encouragement made it an unforgettable week of rugby for our younger players.
Check out all the photos from the Gala Day on the Scots App.
Duke of Edinburgh Adventure Builds Leadership and Resilience
Earlier this term, 11 Scots students took on an incredible challenge as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award program — a 46km hike along the Howqua Track, camping for three nights in very cold conditions. The expedition tested their endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills as they navigated the rugged landscape and supported one another throughout the journey.
A special mention goes to Year 11 student Max Haymes, who undertook the hike as part of his Gold Award and served as group leader, guiding his peers with confidence and care.
We extend our sincere thanks to staff members Ms Mary Laughton, Mr Mark Fagan and Ms Jane Mackinlay for accompanying the group and providing encouragement and support every step of the way.
This memorable experience perfectly captures the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award — developing resilience, leadership and a love of adventure through real-world challenges. All the photos are on the Scots App.
Fergus Represents NSW at National Cricket Championships
Congratulations to Year 6 student Fergus Glass, who has been selected to represent New South Wales at the School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under Cricket Championships in Ballarat.
Fergus earned his place in the state team after a standout performance for CIS, where he scored an impressive 82 not out. A talented all-rounder and right-arm medium pace bowler, Fergus is one of just four regional players chosen for the squad.
Already a Lavington Panthers junior and a representative AFL player for NSW, Fergus continues to impress across multiple sports. We wish him every success as he competes on the national stage!
David Kingma - NSW Science Award
We’re delighted to congratulate David Kingma (Year 8), whose innovative project Investigating the effect of smoke and flame on the arc distance of high voltage transmission lines has received an award in the 2025 Science Teachers Association of NSW (STANSW) Young Scientist Awards. David’s accomplishment reflects his impressive curiosity, precision and passion for scientific inquiry. With more than 500 entries submitted across the state, this recognition is an outstanding achievement — congratulations, David!
James Represents Scots at Basketball NSW D League
Year 6 student James Grylewicz recently spent three days in Sydney participating in the Basketball NSW D League, part of the organisation’s High Performance Program.
The program brings together the top Under 14, 15 and 16 athletes from across New South Wales, providing elite-level training and competition opportunities.
James’ selection is a great achievement and a reflection of his talent, dedication and commitment to developing his game. Congratulations James.
Join the Scots Team for the Sunshine Walk • Sunday 9 November 2025
We’re thrilled that our Stage 5 Coordinator, Jane Mackinlay, is this year’s Sunshine Walk Ambassador! There’s no better time than now to show your support for this incredible cause and register to take part. Jane is proud to stand up and walk for others, knowing just how important local cancer care is — and how many lives it touches.
How to join the Scots Team: Click the link -https://give.awcancertrust.org.au/fundraisers/thescotsschoolalbury Click JOIN OUR TEAM Click SIGN UP (top right-hand corner) Select the 10km walk Let’s rally behind our very own Sunshine Walk Champion, Jane, and walk alongside our Year 10 students for this wonderful cause. Together, we can make a real difference
Class of 2018 alumni recognised for excellence
Class of 2018 Alumni Ewan Noonan was recognised among a group of exceptional young achievers in a special feature in The Border Mail recently.
The Border Mail article said: "The Border and North East region is home to an extraordinary group of young people making a real difference. From business and politics to the arts, sport and community service, these emerging leaders are shaping the future and inspiring others through their passion and dedication. The Border Mail's Sophie Else has compiled a list of 30 under the age of 30 who are already leaving their mark and making our region proud."
Ewan was considered exceptional for his dedication to fundraising and for excellence in his career.
An extract from the paper said: "Ewan Noonan is an industrious and selfless force in the community, balancing a full-time career as a broker with countless hours dedicated to fundraising initiatives and Rotary projects. He is a quiet contributor who applies his expertise and leadership to support emerging local talent through The Young Business Edge, helping shape the next generation. Ewan's generosity and tangible contributions, which also include support for Border sporting communities, make him an exceptional role model and a true asset to the Albury-Wodonga region."
We are extremely proud of Ewan's achievements.
Class of 1995 Reunion – 30 Years On!
Laughter, stories and plenty of nostalgia filled The Atrium at Public House as around 40 members of the Class of 1995 gathered to celebrate their 30-Year Reunion.
Old friendships were rekindled and new connections made as classmates shared where life has taken them since their Scots days. From career adventures to family milestones, the evening was a wonderful reminder of how strong the Scots bond remains - no matter how many years have passed.
A huge thank-you to the organisers and everyone who travelled back to Albury for this memorable night. Here’s to the Class of 1995 - thirty years on and still going strong!
Class of 2000 Reunion – 25 Years On!
More than 40 members of the Class of 2000 came together for a night of laughter, memories and reconnection as they celebrated their 25-Year Reunion. The Astor Hotel’s beer garden buzzed with conversation as classmates reminisced about their Scots days and shared where life has taken them since hanging up their school blazer.
It was a wonderful evening filled with familiar faces, old stories and new connections - a true reflection of the enduring Scots spirit.
