This year I have also taken over the roles of Head of Morrison House and Teacher-in-Charge of Hockey . Both of these roles give me the opportunity to interact with boys in different ways . When students are struggling in the classroom , seeing them on the hockey pitch at the end of the day is a great way to build positive relationships .
Further , I have enjoyed working alongside the Montgomery Club to build a positive community of parents , teachers , coaches and boys . We have a tight-knit group with Young Old Boy coaches , and we also have some Year 12 players working with our younger boys .
My role as Head of Morrison House began at the start of Term 3 , just as we entered Lockdown 5.0 . This role is centred on relationships . Scotch is a big school , and so being able to develop a community where each boy is nurtured and encouraged to do his best is a key focus of the House system . Lockdowns and remote learning have meant that offering students and their families support and encouragement when they can feel disconnected from community has been vital this year .
Interview :
How have you coped with the pandemic ? Online teaching and learning was a new experience for me , but over the past 15 months I have become more cognisant of the challenges faced by students in learning online , and so that has helped me in my teaching . Nonetheless , sitting at a screen and interacting virtually can be difficult .
DR ROSE HUMBERSTONE
Mathematics Teacher and Head of Morrison House
What inspired you to become a teacher ?
My journey to high school teaching was not a direct pathway . Throughout my secondary schooling I had many ideas of what I might do with my life and , admittedly , teaching was not one of them . I settled on Engineering / Commerce but within my first year I decided to change to Science / Commerce , allowing me to focus on Mathematics , Computer Science and Economics .
I loved university and learning so much that I ended up completing honours and a PhD in Economics , then worked at the University of Melbourne in a teaching and research capacity . While I enjoyed the exchange of ideas involved in research , I particularly liked teaching , and realised that by switching to a school context , I could focus on this and work more closely with students .
What are your different roles in the School ? I have several roles at Scotch College , but first and foremost , I am a Mathematics teacher . I love being in the classroom and seeing boys develop a love for Mathematics , and also grow in their skills and confidence . At times it can be challenging to explain concepts and justify abstract ideas , but more often I am impressed and excited by how boys embrace the challenges that they face , and take pride in their achievements . I am also incredibly blessed to be part of a wonderful Mathematics Department with positive and encouraging staff .
The lockdown has also helped me clarify the importance of daily exercise and of making time for people . I have really enjoyed going for walks with friends or heading to the park with my family after school or on weekends , both to enjoy being able to get outside and to enjoy time with them . I have also enjoyed reading more and covering a wider variety of challenging books as part of an online book club . Moreover , I have also become more appreciative of the freedoms that we usually have and the benefits of living in a great city like Melbourne .
What advice do you have for Scotch boys as they prepare for life beyond the boundaries of Morrison Street ?
First , it is okay if you do not have a clear idea of what you want to do beyond school . Follow your passions , and be open to the new ideas and experiences that will present themselves through the next phase of life .
Second , keep learning . There is so much to learn and know about our world and its people . Read widely , listen often , and think critically .
Third , invest in genuine friendships and make time for people . The pandemic has shown that we are social beings who need connection . It can be hard to make new friends outside of the school environment , so make the effort . By joining clubs or sports teams and by pursuing your passions , you will be able to connect with new people and form lasting bonds that will help you grow , and contribute to the world around us . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 45