STAFF FAREWELLS

by her election as CRA Secretary after only a year on staff . Her Form group has found her firm , but fair , and always willing to go the extra kilometre to help them to navigate through Year 7 .

TIFFANY GOLDSMITH

Tiffany came to Scotch in November 2018 as an Administrative Assistant and quickly established herself as a capable and valued member of the team . Her bright and bubbly personality , coupled with conscientiousness and attention to detail , were all valued attributes at a time of increased compliance and regulation in the boarding environment .

Tiffany ’ s methodical approach and willing attitude helped the Hill to navigate the changing and challenging landscape associated with COVID-19 . She has been a very valued assistant to all staff on the Hill , with her firm and good humoured reminders regarding due deadlines , and the other important administrative tasks necessary to keep a residential community of over 200 people functioning smoothly .

JANE EDWARDS The English Department struck gold in 2020 with the appointment of Jane Edwards , who effortlessly immersed herself in the rush and whirl of Scotch life , endearing herself to staff and students alike . Jane came to Scotch after teaching English , English Language and Legal Studies at MLC , also having worked with the Commonwealth government .

Across Years 7 , 9 and 10 Jane opened boys ’ eyes to the joys of close textual analysis , the art of persuasion and the perplexing world of grammatical idiosyncrasy with passion and intellectual rigour , and they responded enthusiastically . She captured the delicate balance of intimacy , banter and genuine interest with which the very best teachers develop and sustain relational bonds with their students .

MATTHEW GROSE (’ 08 )

Matthew returned to Scotch this year as Acting Senior Subject Teacher for Indonesian . His enthusiasm for and expertise in Indonesian specifically , and languages more broadly , was immediately apparent to all . Matthew ’ s engaging teaching style combined with a genuine care for each boy shone through as he quickly forged strong , positive learning relationships with his students . Although his expectations were high , he supported the boys fully to ensure these expectations remained attainable .

Rising to the unexpected challenge of 2020 , Matthew transitioned quickly and effectively to the online learning environment . His high level of collegiality and strong leadership skills emerged as he willingly shared innovative ideas on how to engage boys in this environment . As a former Captain of Gilray House and Captain of Cricket , Matthew quite naturally rejoined Gilray as a Year 9 Tutor and coached Year 9 Cricket . The Year 9 Gilray boys benefited enormously from Matthew ’ s sense of humour , strong intellect , patience and kindness .

SAVE THE DATE

Guest speaker at the 2021 Scotch Family Easter Breakfast will be Associate Professor Alan Gijsbers ( left ), a specialist physician in Addiction Medicine , and an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital , University of Melbourne .

Alan is the first Medical Director of the hospital ’ s Addiction Medicine Service , and Medical Director of the Substance Withdrawal Unit at the Melbourne Clinic , Richmond . He is a Foundation Fellow in the Chapter of Addiction Medicine of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians , and National President of ISCAST , a group of Christians interested in the interaction between science and religion .

He has lectured in science and faith at Ridley College and the Bible College of Victoria .

Alan has received the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry , Victorian Chapter ’ s 2020 Meritorious Award , granted to non-psychiatrists who have contributed to the mental health of the Victorian community .

He is National President of HealthServe Australia , an organisation of health professionals who seek to provide health and development overseas in the name and spirit of Christ . Alan has published extensively in neuroscience and theology . We look forward to welcoming Alan to speak at the 2021 Easter Breakfast .

56 Great Scot Issue 161 – December 2020