Interview :
KATHERINE PHILLIPS
HEALTH SERVICES NURSE – JUNIOR SCHOOL
On a day back in October 2012 , I was handed a pile of envelopes to sort through . I was told some may be relevant , but none were addressed to me . The first envelope was a request for a position at Scotch in the Health Centre . The envelope had sat around for a few months . A position had not been advertised , but someone called Katherine was taking a chance . I was needing some casual hours filled , so I gave it a quick read , and the words grabbed my attention immediately . I gave Katherine a call , and it was as if I had offered her a winning lottery ticket .
So that was the start of our story ! Katherine joined our team , and she was a perfect fit . She has so much enthusiasm , nursing experience , and interest in wellbeing and counselling . Her first day on the job saw her manage a significant fracture and ambulance escort . Any injury , big or small , she approaches with professionalism . None of the Junior School students can remember a time without Katherine . She adds warmth and caring , laughter and friendship to all whom she comes across , often all at the same time . How lucky we are that she took a chance on us ! Thank you , Katherine .
KIM STEVENS
What do you like most about your job ?
This is a difficult question to answer , as there is much I love about being a school nurse . It is an honour to spend time with young people , as they are such amazing beings . I have so often marvelled at the display of resilience from Scotch boys and the way they look at the world , which can be so inspiring ; although they can also be quite hilarious when testing boundaries .
The challenge is working out who is trying to get out of something and who isn ’ t . Between the grazed knees , bumps , breaks and scratches , there are those I call ‘ frequent flyers ’ and to whom I also feel a sense of responsibility , because sometimes words can be hard to find for boys experiencing times of uncertainty . To role model care and empathy brings out such kindness and sincerity in our boys , and this is often displayed when they bring their friends in need to Junior First Aid . I do treasure seeing human nature at its most pure .
What is the best advice you have ever received ?
Not so much advice , but certainly a quote that resonates : ‘ It takes a village to raise a child ’ – an African proverb . Scotch College and its wider community may be considered such a village , and one I feel very privileged to be considered a part of .
School can provide many challenges for all , including children , parents and teachers alike . The role of a school nurse is to support the health and wellbeing not only of our boys , but of the wider Scotch community . Together we work towards building the foundations for our future generations .
The times I feel this most are when I go on camp with teachers and boys . This can be a very stressful time , especially for first time campers and their families . To extend the day-to-day support to teachers and reassure parents and boys in readiness for camp is something I feel very passionate about . Camps are wonderful and essential experiences for the boys ; they empower – and gosh , they are so much fun !
What has been your biggest challenge over your years at Scotch ?
I know I am not alone when I refer to the last two years as being some of the most challenging of all time . From the moment I was away in Canberra with the Year 6 boys back in March 2020 , when this strange new virus was threatening us into our first lockdown , to today as we negotiate keeping everyone safe and at school , the challenges have been continuous .
But I must say the sense of community is something to relish . The boys have shown such resilience , and parents and guardians have displayed such community mindedness as together we try and keep everyone safe . For that I feel very blessed and thankful .
What advice would you give our students as they embark on life outside of Scotch ?
Well , once a Scotchie , always a Scotchie , as they say ! No matter where the future takes you , treasure the memories , experiences and friends you made , and remember you were and always will be part of something very special .
Many years from now , when you are no longer on staff , what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect upon to warm your heart ?
I had the privilege of getting to know and care for so many little five-year-old boys , as they grew into fine young adults . I will reflect on the chats , the tears and the laughter we shared , with the hope that I had a positive effect on their development , but with the warmth of how much of a positive effect they had on me .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 13