STAFF IN PROFILE
Interview : CAMERON CUTCHIE
Geography , which is another area of great passion . I am also Head of Snowsports . We have an incredible snowsports community whom I love , and being in the mountains is truly special . For many years I was part of the Cadet Unit , running the boating platoon ; I was TIC of Touch Football , and as a family we had six years on ‘ the Hill ’, all of which was great fun .
What do you like most about your work at Scotch ?
Connecting with the boys is why we show up every day . Finding a way to challenge thinking , impart a truth , provide encouragement , or simply to banter about the latest F1 race before starting class , is such a joy . And I really love the dynamic nature of how we do that – from the classroom to the mountains , rivers to the ovals , there is never a week that is the same .
How do you make your own space in the busy school week ?
First , I find that I have to be very intentional about this otherwise it never happens . Every morning I walk my dog through the nearby parkland , and that is time away from my phone and the distractions of life for me to reflect , pray and imagine . On days that I miss out I feel ‘ off balance ’. I found this discipline to be even more important throughout the lockdown period .
How have you coped with the challenges of lockdown ?
Staying away from the noise of media and social media were the biggest things . I sought to read more and aimed to read a book a week , alternating fiction and non-fiction . I didn ’ t quite get there every week , but it was great to have the goal ! I also became intentional
Head of Christian Education
Please tell us about your experiences before you started at Scotch .
It ’ s been 16 years since I came to Scotch and over 20 years since I started teaching . I ’ m amazed at how quickly that time passes ! I went straight to university from Melbourne High and funded my way by working night shift in a petrol station across the road from a pub . This provided a range of very interesting experiences as the ( mostly ) drunk patrons came to my store after being kicked out of the pub ! This also funded one of my great loves , which is to travel , and I was fortunate enough to be able to backpack solo through parts of Africa , Europe and the Americas .
On my return I spent some time as a sound engineer for live gigs , before realising it was time to get a real job as a teacher . I spent time teaching Geography and Psychology in country Victoria before heading off again to London to teach and travel for a year . On returning home , I studied full time for a Masters of Education Leadership before starting at Scotch . about looking for ways to support and encourage others . I really believe , and experienced first hand , that we thrive so much more when we stop focusing on ourselves . It ’ s not always easy to do when we ’ re struggling , but definitely worth it .
What advice do you have for Scotch boys as they encounter life beyond the boundaries of Morrison Street ?
Who you are will always be more important than what you do . It precedes you , accompanies you , and follows you . Focus on that and you will be truly successful in all you do .
What are your different roles at Scotch ? My main role at Scotch is as the Head of Christian Education , which encompasses the Year 9 Retreat Program . I still teach some
36 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021