STAFF IN PROFILE
The first Director of the Language and Culture Centre , Alan Shugg , and I were responsible for setting up the Community Education Program , making the Language and Culture Centre available to the general public . We also introduced the ‘ Top Chefs ’ program , which became hugely popular , showcasing the talents of some of Melbourne ’ s finest chefs , including Guy Grossi , Philippe Mouchel , Adam D ’ Sylva , George Calombaris , Ben Shewry , Greg Malouf , Frank Camorra , Phillippa Grogan , Joe Vargetto … and the list goes on .
Most of Melbourne ’ s top chefs have presented in our Demonstration Kitchen over the last 26 years , and I believe we started the trend of offering demonstration classes to the public . My role later expanded to include providing admin support for the Head of Upper School , dealing with matters for Years 9-12 , which now takes up most of my time .
INTERVIEW :
SOPHIE MUSCI
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL AND THE HEAD OF LANGUAGES
Let ’ s start by finding out about your background prior to working at Scotch . Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself ?
Prior to Scotch I was a stay-at-home mum to two boys . Before this I had a career in the advertising / marketing / PR industry . I worked in a few agencies before moving to the Hyatt on Collins to work in their PR department , organising PR events like the World ’ s Largest Office Party for the Variety Club .
It was exciting at the time , rubbing shoulders with a number of notable celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and her fellow actors from Neighbours , the author Sir John Mortimer and the cherry on top , Sir Elton John … lovely man and very down to earth ! I joined the Scotch staff when my boys started school , as I wanted something stimulating to fill my day in between school drop-off and pick-up .
Could you tell us about your roles at Scotch : the activities you have previously been involved in , and those in which you are currently involved ?
What generally constitutes some of the highlights of your week and keeps on motivating you ?
Most events are on ‘ repeat ’, but every day at Scotch brings something different , and I enjoy the interaction with the students and staff . I am very lucky to work in such a rich and stimulating environment . I love organising Year 12 events like the Dinner Dance and their end-of-year presentation night . And the Scotch grounds are spectacular : not many people can boast that they work in such beautiful surroundings .
On a personal note , would you mind sharing some of your passions and hobbies ?
I love to travel , to meander around cities exploring the history and culture , and reading , especially on a beach – in Greece . No-one can dispute the stunning beauty of a Greek beach , particularly in the Islands . Pure bliss . I also enjoy cooking – surprise , surprise – so the Top Chefs ’ cooking classes definitely came in handy !
Everyone loves a good story , so are there any particular anecdotes or memories that you could share with us ?
Absolutely ! Organising the first NASA / USA tour in 2005 for 40 students and four staff ; visiting the Grand Canyon , Washington and especially the White House . Then in 2011 , with the help of a member of the Chinese Department , we arranged a trip to China for staff , family and friends . It was a fabulous trip which included the opportunity to cuddle a giant panda . Definitely a highlight , very expensive but worth it .
And to continue the theme : yet another trip in 2013 , during the holidays , again for staff and family , to Istanbul , Greece and the Greek Islands , which makes me think I missed my vocation in life and should have been a tour guide !
And finally … fundraising for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute . We held a Gala Dinner in October 2018 for the inaugural Girls ’ Night Out B & B ( Breast and Brain Cancer ) Fundraiser , which raised over $ 47,000 . It was a fabulous evening and a night to remember for sponsors , who were extremely generous , and the guests , who didn ’ t want to leave . Hopefully we can repeat this event again in the near future .
56 Great Scot Issue 168 – May 2023