School Christmas Concert and the German performance . Every year I look forward to seeing the boys in their costumes , and I love joining in the carol singing , too . The Junior School German concert has similarly never failed to entertain and amaze me .
What story will your colleagues tell about you when you retire ?
They may bring up my run of bad luck with computers – some might say I am jinxed . My laptop was sent away for repairs and got lost for over a term , and then the new one I borrowed only lasted a few weeks and died . Luckily my original computer amazingly turned up and is still working ! My most used button though is , unfortunately , ‘ forgot my password ’.
Interview : MELINDA WHITING
Junior School Learning Support Assistant
Melinda Whiting started her teaching career in Deniliquin , NSW , near her family ’ s farm , followed by a short stint teaching in the UK . I had the pleasure of working with Melinda when she joined the staff at Christ Church Grammar School in 1995 , and again in 2013 when she started working at Scotch , although her association with our School started when her brothers boarded here during their secondary education .
Melinda started as a Prep Assistant and joined the Learning Support team in 2018 . Melinda is noted for her teamwork , positive , can-do attitude and professional approach to all challenges . She and her husband , Austin , have three teenage daughters .
KATE IKINGER
What are your roles and responsibilities at Scotch ?
I have had varied roles since starting as a classroom assistant in Prep P in 2013 . After nearly four years I moved to working across both Year 2 classes , and now I am in my third year in the Junior School Learning Support team .
My key role , and one I love , is to support boys with their learning throughout the Junior School . I am lucky enough to work daily with small reading and spelling groups of Prep , Year 1 and 2 boys . Seeing the boys continually change and progress each week is heartwarming and rewarding . I also enjoy supporting Prep boys starting with English as a Second Language , and I also help my colleagues with testing and support within the classroom .
What has been your biggest challenge at Scotch ?
I think technology has been the most challenging aspect . Although taxing from time to time , I have learnt so much over the last few years and I ’ m very grateful for the support I have received from Tech Support and my colleagues . Particularly in this time of remote learning , the skills I have gained have been invaluable .
When you are no longer teaching , what will be your favourite Scotch memories ?
There are two Scotch events that I will always remember fondly : the Junior
What advice would you give our VCE students as they embark on a life outside Scotch ?
My advice would be to live life to the fullest – take up opportunities , travel far and wide ( when you can ) and embrace challenges and change , because you grow so much from these experiences . Particularly this year , call on your resilience and turn your challenges into positives . I would also highly recommend using gratitude , empathy and mindfulness in your life .
How have you approached the pandemic , personally and professionally ?
I have been staying positive , and I feel grateful for the small things , such as walking and exploring my neighbourhood . Professionally , I have gained a myriad of new skills , particularly in the tech area , and have become quite proficient on Zoom . I have taken up the meditation and yoga Annika has offered , and that has been brilliant .
What is your favourite corner of the School , and why ? My favourite corner of the School is actually my Learning Support classroom space . The sun shines in , particularly in winter , and always brightens and warms up the room and my day . I also love meandering though the School ’ s gorgeous gardens .
What is on your wish list ?
Travel – Japan , Vietnam , Canada and Bora Bora are places I would love to visit . Greece , Italy and Fiji , I would love to head back to again ! I also hope to do more travelling around Australia .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 13