JUNIOR SCHOOL
Interview :
AMY ROGERS
HEAD OF LIBRARY
Amy commenced her teaching career in 2002 in Christchurch , New Zealand . She taught for two years before moving to the United Kingdom . It wasn ’ t long before she was given the opportunity to teach at Orchard House School in Chiswick , London . From classroom to the sport field , Amy moved to Notting Hill as a PE teacher before she returned to New Zealand . Amy then found her calling in boys ’ education in 2008 , working at Medbury Independent School in Christchurch .
Amy ’ s love of travel and adventure resulted in a move to Melbourne . Through 2010 Amy worked as an Emergency Teacher here at Scotch , primarily in Prep and also the Library . Amy was energetic , adaptable and capable ; a perfect fit for Scotch . Her value was recognised in 2011 with a full-time ongoing teaching position . Amy taught in Prep , Grade 2 , and Grade 1 . After maternity leave and two beautiful children , she progressed from part-time teaching in the Library to the Head of Library role in 2018 .
Amy has overseen a total refurbishment of the Harbig Library and brought effervescent life to library programs and classes . Students respond readily to her humorous anecdotes and reviews . Amy ’ s genuine love of literature and her infectious
enthusiasm have encouraged a significant increase in borrowing . It ’ s a pleasure to work with Amy ; her passion for books , golf and fashion make her a popular and vital part of the Junior School .
DEBORAH PARKINSON – LIBRARIAN
After all these years of service to Scotch , what is your favourite corner of the School and why ?
My favourite corner of the School is the Junior School library space . Every day I come to work , I feel blessed to have the best view in the School , looking out over the grounds all the way to the CBD . It is my dream work space and my dream job .
What advice would you give our VCE students as they embark on a life outside Scotch ?
The advice I would give VCE students as they embark on life outside Scotch would be to travel and seek out as many life experiences as possible . My years overseas were full of crazy adventures in Nepal , India , rafting into Alaska , travelling around Europe , living in Turkey and so many other opportunities which shape how you see the world and how other cultures live . The privilege of being able to experience these things when you are young and curious is truly life-changing .
What do you like about your job ?
As Head of the Junior School Library I love building relationships with all the students from Prep to Year 6 and also the opportunity to work closely with staff to support them with high-quality literature for their classroom programs . Reading has been a passion of mine from an early age , and being surrounded by books is a dream come true . The Junior School boys have such a passion for literature , and the opportunity to go on their reading journeys and foster their interests is a privilege . Also being part of such a fantastic Junior School staff makes coming to work every day a joy . The laughter , teamwork and fun we all have together is wonderful .
What has been your biggest challenge over your years at Scotch ?
The biggest challenge has been , like all teachers , switching to a remote learning style of teaching and juggling the pressures of a small house and young family at home during those times . It was challenging but really rewarding , organising and running a Literature Festival online . The parents and siblings were able to share in the enjoyment of the author / illustrator workshops , along with the boys , and it ended up being a wonderful experience during the limited experiences available during COVID . I was lucky that I had a subject area that easily lent itself to remote learning .
18 Great Scot Issue 166 – September 2022