OCTOBER 2021
THE SCOTCH BISCUIT
THE SCOTCH BISCUIT
– A DUNK INTO WELLBEING
The Scotch Biscuit is a staff newsletter produced twice each term , compiled by the Staff Wellbeing Committee . Just as parents need to put on their own oxygen mask first on an aeroplane before they put on their children ’ s masks , the Staff Wellbeing Committee recognises that in order to be the best they can be for the boys , staff first have to look after their own wellbeing . The Scotch Biscuit initiative aims to give staff expert advice and tips to promote wellbeing , as well as providing a bit of fun and relaxation .
Delivered to all staff via email , The Scotch Biscuit is a prompt to staff to put the kettle on , their feet up , and make some time for themselves in a busy day . Staff contributions to our first two editions of the Biscuit have included Italian biscuit recipes from the Languages Department , streaming , podcasts and book reviews from the Centre for Learning , and tips about tried and true ways of supporting wellbeing from both teaching and non-teaching staff .
The first two editions of The Scotch Biscuit have been very well received , and we hope to bring staff many more dunks of The Scotch Biscuit in years to come !
LARA SILKOFF – STAFF WELLBEING COMMITTEE MEMBER and EDITOR , THE SCOTCH BISCUIT
A newsletter from the Scotch Staff Wellbeing Team , to be enjoyed with a nice cup of tea !
Welcome to our first edition of “ The Scotch Biscuit ”
BY REV DAVE ASSENDER
“ A problem shared is a problem halved .” While I ’ m sure this saying was never intended to be understood mathematically , the principle of talking to someone about our concerns really helps . We can increase the chances of it helping by adding our obligation to be approachable and a good listener in return . The principle can even be cosmically scaled , as the Apostle Paul reminds us : “ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you .” We can leave our concerns with God precisely because he cares for us . Prayer is like having a good friend to talk things over with . Having been heard , or having taken the time to hear someone else ’ s concerns , then allows us to take part in another non-mathematical principle : “ A joy shared is a joy doubled .”
As we can see in this first edition of The Scotch Biscuit , there is wonderful support available for us while we transition back to working on campus , but of course , sharing our thoughts and feelings amongst our collegial friendship circles will also be most valuable . Catching up with one another , even if through PPE , just might be the ticket we need to ease us through this transition .
STAFF WELLBEING TEAM OTHERS WHO CAN OFFER SUPPORT Kirsty Irwin Grant Wilson David Assender Andrew Strempel Lara Silkoff Doug Campbell Alicia Smith Nick Clark Annemaree Jones Rebecca Imer Kim Stevens Your Head of Department Cam Cutchie Grant Phillips
Interview with Scotch ’ s Risk Manager , Annemaree Jones
BY LARA SILKOFF
Even welcome changes can be challenging . Most of us are itching to get back to school properly , but the fact remains we are returning to school at time when COVID 19 is more present than it has ever been in our community .
I spoke to Annemaree Jones , our risk manager , about what the school has done to prepare for staff and student ’ s full return . She explained that the school has put together an extensive and comprehensive suite of safety measures ( CLICK FOR INFOGRAPHIC )
I also asked her about what staff can do on an individual level to protect themselves . Here ’ s what she had to say :
Well we know that all of our staff on site are vaccinated . That is fantastic . It provides great reassurance . That is really important .
So staff just need to check they have a mask that fits properly , that you don ’ t have to touch all day because it is falling down underneath your nose . Wear it properly and ensure everyone else does too . you are meeting inside so you are getting that ventilation through the room .
Try maintain as much as possible , not going overboard , but have social bubbles . So that you are not engaging with people you don ’ t usually see or need to engage with . Because that really does protect you if a student or another staff member becomes positive and you can say hand on heart you have not been near them , and you are safe to keep coming into work .
If you have any questions about occupational health , safety or risk at Scotch , you can contact Annemaree at Annemaree . Jones @ scotch . vic . edu . au or ext 4462 .
Also , really be consciously thinking about maintaining that social distance when you are indoors . Have doors and windows open when
Greg McMahon ( Maintenance Manager ), Annemaree Jones ( Risk Manager ) and Bill Sciarretta ( Property Manager ) have a covid safe meeting ). Photo courtesy of Elliot Green ( Facilities Manager )
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