JUNIOR SCHOOL
When you are no longer teaching what will be your favourite Scotch memories ?
I will have so many wonderful memories to reflect on , including fun times with students and staff , Family Days , walking through the beautiful Scotch grounds , and seeing the excitement of new preps on their first day of school . However , I think the best will be of helping so many boys to improve their learning outcomes , seeing the priceless look on their faces when understanding is achieved , and knowing that I ’ ve played a role in their educational journey and made a small difference in their lives .
Interview :
MELISSA SUTHERLAND
Junior School Learning Support Assistant
What story will your colleagues tell about you when you retire ?
I hope they would say I made valuable contributions to the Scotch team and showed passion and commitment to helping boys to reach their full potential . However , on a less serious note I think my ongoing battle with my footwear has caused a laugh on occasions , and would definitely be recalled . I think the mysterious way clocks seem to stop in the rooms where I ’ ve worked is another funny story to be told .
After being awarded Dux of her Primary Teaching course in 1987 , Melissa started her teaching career with the Department of Education in 1988 . Her teaching journey has taken her to schools all over Melbourne from Albanvale , Campbellfield , Williamstown to Templestowe and Beaumaris . She was a leading teacher for 10 years at Beaumaris Primary School , where she was a classroom teacher , junior primary and specialist coordinator and school management team member .
Melissa started her career in the Scotch Junior School as a Teaching Assistant , working in a Prep classroom in 2013 . In 2016 she joined the Junior School Learning Support Department , where she has enjoyed working with both individuals and small groups .
Melissa is dedicated to caring for the needs of others , and has developed a great rapport with both the boys and her colleagues . She is organised , competent and a great team member .
MELINDA WHITING
What are your roles and responsibilities at Scotch ?
When I was first employed at Scotch , I was lucky enough to work for three years as an Assistant in the Prep Classroom . Every day in Prep was full of firsts , fun and fascination . There were giggles , tears and lots of wonderful learning .
Later I was fortunate to join the Learning Support team , where I have worked with small groups of boys in spelling and reading groups , Literature Circles with Year 6s , English as a second language , and in support for boys one-on-one in the classroom . I have worked with the Learning Support team on the testing program ; and a fun part of my job has been creating a wide variety of creative wall displays for the Learning Support Department .
What have been your biggest challenges at Scotch ?
Scotch is such a wonderfully busy place , so it ’ s always challenging keeping abreast of what ’ s happening around the School . Fortunately , the supportive team at Scotch is always ready to point you in the right direction .
After all these years of service to Scotch , what is your favourite corner of the School and why ?
I have so many favourite places around Scotch , including the beautiful room where I work with its gorgeous high ceiling and panelled windows , the majestic Chapel and the classrooms , where there is always such a wonderful buzz . However , being a keen gardener , I just adore the beauty of the Scotch grounds and appreciate the tranquillity they bring when I have a moment to take a stroll .
What is an amusing or memorable incident in your career at Scotch ?
There are certainly quite a few , but one funny incident was when I was working in Prep , and for a Father ’ s Day activity I asked one of the boys to tell me about his dad . He said , ‘ My dad is a liar ’. Of course , I did a double take and asked again , and he kept repeating the same thing . I soon found out this little Prep boy was having a pronunciation problem . His dad was not a liar , but actually a lawyer . I breathed a sigh of relief and had to try hard to hide my amusement .
14 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021