Great Scot April 2018 GreatScot_153_April_2018_Online | Page 17

Staff in profile
Whole school events, literature festivals and
author visits provide wonderful memories.
What is the best advice you have ever
received?
Know your personal values and set healthy
boundaries. My parents’ advice to ‘do what
makes you happy’ is simple and continues to
ring true. When you love what you do there is
always a bit of joy to be found during inevitable
challenges.
What story will your colleagues tell about
you at your farewell speech when you
retire?
There are many chapters yet to come!
Wouldn’t it be great if it included a talent for
excellent reading suggestions and exemplary
catalogue records that provide quick search
success! It may include some dodgy displays
over time; there was one that involved hot wire
foam sculpting. I once attempted to fly out of
a Year 5 classroom. It wasn’t deliberate, and
fortunately fell short of a tragic ending.
Interview:
Deb Parkinson
Although born in Melbourne, Deb Parkinson
has lived in many locations. Part of her childhood
was spent in Dampier, in the north-west of
Western Australia, she attended Kuala Lumpur’s
Garden International School, and while a young
mother lived in New Zealand. It was both her love
of the Wellington Public Library and he r ambition
to be a meaningful part of her daughters’
education that inspired Deb to study. Since
school she has worked as a travel consultant, and
an Ansett air crew member and trainer, followed
by work in various corporate and school libraries
while she completed her studies.
While working in the Deakin University
Burwood library she was mentored and
encouraged to pursue her studies, gaining her
Bachelor of Library and Information Management.
Deb joined Scotch in 2009, becoming a valued
part of the Harbig Resource Centre. With her
father and uncles Old Boys, and her genuine
love of books and literature, Deb is well matched
to Scotch with its strong literacy values. Deb
is valued for her warm sense of humour, her
genuine support and care of colleagues, her quiet
efficiency and positive attitude.
KATE IKINGER
Many years from now, when you are no
longer teaching, what are some of the
Scotch memories you will reflect on to
warm your heart?
I will remember the impact of uplifting energy
from young students. It’s a fantastic feeling to
welcome boys to the library and witness their
interests develop. Reflecting on the thrill of
selecting new books, and the excited response
to a new book or series will also warm my heart.
What has been your biggest challenge over
your years at Scotch?
In 2009 I was relatively new to school libraries.
My capable Senior School library colleagues
shared their expertise, and that collegial
relationship continues to assist with ongoing
technical change. Keeping up with new book
releases is a wonderful challenge. It’s great to
find gems that will ignite a delight for reading in
our Junior School boys.
What advice would you give our VCE
students as they embark on a life outside
Scotch?
Be kind to yourself and others. Be patient and
persist with what matters to you. Setbacks are so
often precursors to future opportunities at just the
right time. Shake up your life – travel, welcome
change and look for ways you can be of service
to others. Just like a You Choose adventure, the
choices you make will affect your experience of
life and influence the way your story unfolds.
After all these years of service to Scotch,
what is your favourite corner of the School
and why?
The library! My huge workspace overlooks
the Junior School Oval and across treetops to the
city skyline. It houses a never-ending supply of
inspiration and information. I love the gardens in
the boarders’ precinct. Our school environment
and the people I work with provide a positive
influence every day.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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