Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 18

Staff in profile
Many years from now, when you are no longer
teaching, what is one of the Scotch memories you
will reflect on to warm your heart?
I have so many great memories of my time at Scotch,
but a stand-out event for me would have to be the Year
2 Wungle Bungle. The boys always show a high level of
engagement in our Flight Unit. The Wungle Bungle gives
them the opportunity to apply what they have learned,
spark their creativity, predict and reflect on their design,
and with the help of family, produce their very own flying
contraption. The day is always filled with fun and laughter,
and even if their plane doesn’t fly to plan, I relish the
sportsmanship and resilience the boys show. The parent
involvement and having them attending the parade
makes it all the more special for the boys.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
When you commit to something, give it your all.
Take opportunities that are presented to you; music,
languages, sport. You never know where it may lead.
Interview:
Emma Fitz-Walter
Scotch was first introduced to Emma in 2015, where she impressed colleagues with
her ‘can do’ approach to her role as a casual relief teacher. Emma worked in all areas
of the Junior School, and, encouraged by her enjoyment of working at Scotch, accepted a
classroom teacher role in 2017 after teaching at Melbourne Grammar School.
Prior to teaching, Emma worked in human resources, having completed a Bachelor of
Communication and a Graduate Diploma of Career Development. Emma always had a love
for teaching, and in 2015 decided to complete her Graduate Diploma in Education.
Currently Emma teaches Year 2, where she continues to create a warm and caring
environment for her class. Encouraging individual learning styles, Emma gives each boy an
opportunity to celebrate and develop his unique gifts and talents. Emma values building
strong relationships with her students and their families, and her involvement in the skiing
program has further strengthened her rapport with the wider Scotch community.
As an educator, Emma aims to understand and promote the development of the
whole child, and naturally has become an integral member of the Junior Primary team.
Emma always has a positive attitude and continues to spread this throughout the School.
With excellent interpersonal skills, along with her supportive and calm approach to all
challenges, Emma deserves to be placed in the spotlight.
KATE IKINGER
18
Great Scot Number 156 – April 2019
What has been your biggest challenge over your
years at Scotch?
The reason I love my job so much is that it is always
filled with new challenges. Every year is different;
individual boys have their own personalities and learning
styles. Building a rapport with each boy and creating
fun and engaging lessons that cater for all boys is so
important. Helping the boys recognise as well that they
are all individuals who learn at their own pace can be a
challenge. I always tell the boys never to compare with
others but to try and improve on themselves. Managing
the needs and behaviours of all the boys is what makes
this job so enjoyable.
What advice would give our VCE students as they
embark on a life outside Scotch?
Stay true to yourself, work hard and never give up!
What do you like most about your job?
The favourite part of my job is the relationships I build
with the boys, and the opportunity to see them grow
and mature into young men. It is so rewarding to see the
boys overcome challenges and grow as independent
learners. I encourage all the boys to be risk-takers, but
most importantly have fun with their learning. I laugh on
a daily basis because of the kind-hearted, unpredictable
nature of the boys.
What are a few amusing or memorable incidents
in your career at Scotch?
The most amusing incident for me in my career at
Scotch would have to be in my first ever week here. I had
forgotten Assembly was on, and when I realised, I rushed
the boys into the hall just in time for Assembly to start.
It wasn’t until we stood up to sing the National Anthem
that I noticed one of my boys was only wearing one shoe!
Needless to say, I have never forgotten an Assembly since.