The boys were so pleased with their surprise , and their excitement about my upcoming wedding was magic . It was also a new experience for me , as normally I am very organised , but I had to relinquish my plans and embrace all of their ideas . It was a very special day .
What is the best advice you have ever received ?
The importance of connecting with each student cannot be overstated . Students learn better from a teacher with whom they have a connection .
What story will your colleagues tell about you at your farewell speech when you retire ?
This is a very tricky question . I don ’ t think I could pinpoint just one story . I guess everyone will just have to wait and see …
Interview :
ALEXANDRA NASH
Prep Coordinator
After graduating from university with a Bachelor of Education in 2011 , Alexandra taught in London and on returning home , taught in several well-respected schools in Melbourne . Alexandra was a welcome addition to the Junior School when she assumed the role of Prep Teacher in 2017 , becoming the Prep Coordinator several years later .
Alexandra is well organised , hardworking , big-hearted and energetic . While working at Scotch she completed her Master of Learning Intervention in 2018 at the University of Melbourne . Her philosophy of developing in each child a love of learning underpins all she plans for her class . Alexandra ’ s classroom is always calm , respectful and friendly , and it is marvellous to see the boys ’ collective confidence and enjoyment of school blossom throughout their vital first year of formal education .
Apart from becoming the Prep Coordinator , Alexandra worked tirelessly for the Scotch snow teams , both on the slopes and behind the scenes , in her capacity as Junior School Snowsports Coordinator .
During all the challenges of recent years with COVID and lockdowns , she has ensured she has stayed connected to the boys in her class , their families and her colleagues , while continuing to provide an interesting and comprehensive curriculum , delivered with heart and humour .
Alexandra is a remarkable teacher who deserves to be in the spotlight and acknowledged for her contribution to the Junior School .
KATE IKINGER
Many years from now , when you are no longer teaching , what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect on to warm your heart ?
On the last day of term , just before my wedding , all the Prep Staff and boys surprised me with a unique curriculum of wedding-related activities . The lessons I had planned were abandoned : the room was full of confetti , wedding cards , wedding cakes and a wonderful veil that all of the boys had decorated .
What has been your biggest challenge during your time at Scotch ?
Over the past 18 months I think we have all been challenged with the new experience of home learning . On the positive side it has brought me closer to my colleagues and the parents of my students . It has challenged me to continually think outside the box and try new ideas , often entering uncharted territory . It has also allowed me to appreciate how important and wonderful face-to-face contact is with the Preps , and to value what has become known as classroom learning .
What advice would you give our VCE students as they embark on a life outside Scotch ?
Take the time to look around you ; some of the boys who are sitting next to you right now will be your lifelong friends .
What is your favourite corner of the School , and why ?
I love the swimming pool . As a swimmer I have a soft spot for pools and time spent on pool deck . It is lovely to see the look on the faces of the Preps when they finally discover the Scotch pool , and realise that swimming is a part of the Prep program . The swimming program is greeted with great excitement , but I also enjoy the peace that descends on the class as the days pass . The boys expend so much full body effort in the pool that there is a sense of tired achievement .
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