and annual camps at Puckapunyal and at other locations around the state . In addition , Geoff organised the Middle School Sports Program .
TRISTAN HILL Tristan was appointed to the History Department in 2007 . With dexterity and wit , Tristan taught Philosophy , History , Geography , English , English Workshop , Psychology and Christian Education across all Senior School levels . Boys benefited greatly from his work ethic and high academic standards .
Under Tristan ’ s leadership , Philosophy grew to be offered across Years 9 to 12 . Tristan chaired the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools ( six years ), was a VCE Network officer ( eight years ), authored a number of articles for teachers of VCE Philosophy , and coordinated Year 7 English and History ( eight years ).
Tristan was Teacher-in-Charge of Year 7 Tennis ( seven years ), he oversaw the Year 9 Hockey squad , managed the Junior Athletics team ( seven years ), and took fencing from a group of a dozen boys to more than 100 participants . He was also involved in Cadets and the Year 11 Immersion Program .
A thoughtful , caring and encouraging Year 7 or Year 8 Form Teacher , Tristan was Acting Head of Year 7 ( one term ) and Academic Coordinator – Teaching and Learning ( three years ). He was President of the Common Room Association for the past three years .
SCOTT BIRRELL
Appointed to a teaching role within the Pipes and Drums during 2013 , Scott imparted the intricacies of Scottish snare drumming to boys of all year levels and abilities . The Scotch Pipes and Drums has become Australia ’ s most consistently successful school pipe band , claiming five adult Grade 3 and four Juvenile Victorian Championships , and four Australian Championships .
Scott accompanied the band on four tours of Scotland . Last year the Scotch band became the first Australian school band to win a division of the European Championships .
While preparing boys for the Foundation Day Concert , the Cadet Tattoo , the Anzac Day March , and many other gigs and commitments , Scott skilfully encouraged them to achieve the highest of musical standards . In 2018 , Scott demonstrated that his enthusiasm for Scottish pursuits extended beyond the pipe band , when he became Teacher-in-Charge of Golf .
KARIN TAEUBNER
Karin started at Scotch as a Casual Relief Teacher in 2014 , having previously been a German teacher at Caulfield Grammar School , Melbourne Grammar School and Korowa Anglican Girls ’ School . She moved into administrative roles in 2015 , but has always maintained her interest in German education , and has remained a VCE examiner since leaving regular teaching . She will undertake a new role in 2021 , writing German courses for Melbourne University .
In the Music School , Karin has formed superb relationships with the boys and the staff . Some boys have enjoyed practising their German language skills with her – often with much laughter from all concerned – and she will be missed as a translator . She has very ably handled the AMEB external exams , sourcing music from around the world . Her humour and laughter will be missed .
HELEN DRAKE Helen joined McMeckan House in 2018 , where the boys know her as Matron . Her energy and obliging nature , making everything seem simple and manageable , has been wonderful . Each morning Helen would help the boys get ready for school ; each afternoon she could be found in the sewing room , attending to labels for boys ’ clothes and making sure each boy had his belongings sorted . Matron listened with care and was a good problem-solver . McMeckan boys loved the enticing suppers each evening : Matron was famous for her supper treats , from scones to sausage rolls , as well as for her vegie patch , just outside the house . Helen kept the House in order and taught the boys how to care for one another .
DR DAVID GARLAND
Appointed in 2018 as a teacher of Latin , David taught all levels of the subject , where his strong command of , and interest in , Latin played a significant part in the resurgence of Classics at Scotch . David also taught History .
David approached each aspect of his teaching with the enthusiasm , generosity and advocacy boys crave , always willing to commit time and expertise to seeing his students further their appreciation of the classical world .
Away from the Latin room , David engaged himself fully in Scotch life , coaching cycling and hockey . Time was also spent in the Year 11 Immersion Program . David was a member of The Scotch Collegian editorial team , where his literary skills played a substantial part in ensuring publications of the highest standard .
EMMA MILDENHALL
Emma arrived at Scotch as a student placement in 2018 . She was bright and keen to be involved in everything that Scotch could give her . That same enthusiasm has remained over the ensuing two years of her working as a teacher in the Science Department . Emma so impressed the department during her placement that she was offered a position on staff . She has since helped many less-tech savvy than herself through the travails of learning to teach in the remote environment , and to becoming expert as Canvas users .
Emma is a popular member of the department and the School , as evidenced
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