Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 31

this to the independent panel that would make
the ultimate judgment.
The independent panel convened in early
December 2018 and required the presence
of the School Council Chairman (The Hon Dr
David Kemp), the Principal (Tom Batty), the
Administration Manager (Rebecca Imer) and
the Child Protection Officer (Grant Watson).
The presentations made by these Scotch
representatives, together with the positive ACF
audit report, elicited a favourable response
from the panel. The Australian Childhood
Foundation’s Safeguarding Accreditation status
was granted for a period of three years.
Gaining this recognition is a significant
achievement by the School, epitomising the
commitment to safeguarding that has become
increasingly apparent among personnel and
in programs across the School community.
Accreditation accentuates the School’s
commitment to comply with the foundation’s
seven safeguarding children standards, and
the child safe standards required of all Victorian
schools under Ministerial Order 870.
Sadly, it cannot be guaranteed that a person
with intent to perpetrate abuse of a boy within
our community will not succeed. However, the
robust, safeguarding ‘fence’ in place will clearly
communicate to any person with a mind to
harm children that they should keep away from
Scotch. Recruitment and screening strategies
that require comprehensive background
checks, and adults who are well equipped to
recognise and respond to safeguarding issues,
ensure an environment where safety for every
boy is paramount.
Continuing vigilance is a given, and as a
community we remain committed to further
enhancing the safeguarding culture that has
become part of our fabric. The School’s
contract with the ACF will continue, and will
involve annual reviews and ongoing education.
The safeguarding culture established and
regularly reinforced means that all Scotch boys
can feel safe and respected as they strive to
realise their individual potential within an intimate
environment nurturing self-expression and
self-worth, while promoting the uniqueness of
each boy’s journey.
GRANT WATSON — CHILD PROTECTION
OFFICER
FROM LEFT: SIMON GOODING, HAYLEY SANDPEARL, JACK EDWARDS, DANIEL WIGHTMAN, PETER KARAKOUSSIS,
ED SMITHERS, NICHOLAS MILLER, TONY WILSON, DR ROSE HUMBERSTONE
NEW SENIOR
SCHOOL STAFF
Scotch welcomed nine new permanent
members of the Senior School teaching staff
at the beginning of the school year.
Jack Edwards returns to Scotch to take
up a permanent position in the Physical
Education department, teaching both
VCE PE and practical Physical Education.
Jack spent 2018 as Director of Sport at
Assumption College, while maintaining his
connection with the AFL umpiring panel.
In addition to teaching PE, Jack is a Year 8
Form teacher.
Simon Gooding joins our Science
department to teach senior Chemistry and
Science. Simon taught at Wesley College
for the past four years. He is an experienced
teacher of Chemistry, an author of texts,
and a Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authority examiner and assessor. Simon
is also a decorated member of the CFA. In
addition to teaching, Simon is a tutor in Selby
Smith and is assisting in the Cadet Unit.
Dr Rose Humberstone joins our
Mathematics department. Rose holds a PhD
from the University of Melbourne and has
spent the last four years teaching at Trinity
Grammar School, where last year she was
Deputy Head of Mathematics. Prior to this,
Rose worked in both the tertiary sector and
for Cambridge University Press, developing
curriculum material. In addition to her
mathematics teaching duties, Rose is also a
tutor in Bond House.
Peter Karakoussis has come from St
Kevin’s College to join our Mathematics
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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