I had a bicultural identity growing up and felt both Australian and German . We did a lot of bike touring ; I loved being able to see nature in this way . From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef from our zodiac family boat , to camping , to riding a bike in the mountains , it was wonderful to experience this country through the passion of my father . I also loved to share aspects of my culture with friends – although they preferred their beautifully soft , white bread to my dense German seeded sourdough bread ( getting close to pumpernickel ) which my mother had baked herself , of course !
Do you have a guiding philosophy ?
INTERVIEW : MIMI HOHLWEG
GERMAN TEACHER , JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mimi began working with the Scotch Junior School team in 2023 . Her enthusiasm and effervescent approach to learning languages is shared with her students , as she encourages them to deepen their understanding in class . Naturally , Mimi is fluent in German , French , Portuguese and English , and she speaks a little Spanish too ! She values time spent helping children learn German through content integration , folklore and conversation .
Having travelled internationally and residing in Berlin , Germany , in recent years , Mimi is passionate about preserving nature and is an environmental advocate .
It is a pleasure working alongside Mimi .
JACINTA MURRAY
What do you find most rewarding about teaching ?
At the base of all I do as a teacher , more important to me than any pursuit , is to enable students to believe in themselves . It is an honour to accompany young people on a small part of their life ’ s journey . I hope to encourage students to become good people and active citizens within society . It is important to me to foster empathy , self-reflection and critical thinking .
I trust that students will use these skills to develop good values and find their moral compass in life .
What ignited your passion to teach ?
As a naturally inquisitive person , I enjoy discovering the physical and cultural worlds around me . My goal is to cultivate humble curiosity within my students , particularly the younger ones .
I enjoy being a facilitator , allowing students to find out what they find personally rewarding as they explore language learning . In language learning , there are all forms of meaning-making within interconnected contexts . Some students relish the logic of grammar , while others embark on imaginative journeys , discovering the unique cultural connotations of specific expressions . Some are keen to explore quirky historical linguistic connections ; others love to harness the essence of effective communication , speaking enthusiastically regardless of their language proficiency . I cherish sharing these learning experiences with my students .
Do you have an interesting fact that you are willing to share ?
Family values are especially important to me . Good parenting is a cornerstone of our educational development and , as children grow up , continues to be supported by the teachers at school . Approaching everyone with an understanding that they may be different in family values and backgrounds is important to me . Having cultural humility is also one of my core values . I think that differences in family and cultural backgrounds offer a great opportunity for connection and enrichment .
What advice would you give our VCE students as they leave Scotch ?
You are young but not too young . Look after your friends – look out for their safety , be the community and society that you want to create , engage with others , balance family with friends , reach out – it is the same for others , not only you : you are not alone .
What is your favourite corner of Scotch ?
I take great joy in the landscaped gardens of Scotch College as I make my way through the school grounds to the classrooms . The gardens are beautiful in their structure , while the small elements also give me special pleasure . There are diverse plants flowering all throughout the year ; various colours and textures complement each other . I think that making a garden for others ’ enjoyment is a caring act – like making a lovely meal for someone . I feel nurtured by the gardens ; they give me a moment of pause and appreciation before I walk into the Junior School to hear the happy laughing voices and to begin a busy day .
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