Great Scot December 2019 Great Scot 158_December_ONLINE | Page 12

STAFF IN PROFILE
staff alike enjoyed seeing teachers step out
of their comfort zones!
Another highlight would be when I was
dressed up for the German Café in traditional
costume, and danced the waltz with the then
Head of Junior School, Guy Mason. We had
a number of rehearsals but I still felt like I had
two left feet!
What has been your biggest challenge
over your years at Scotch?
Interview:
EMILIE IRESON
Emilie Ireson has been a longstanding member of the Junior School staff, having taught
across Years 2, 4 and 5. Her 13 years at Scotch have also included participation in a wide
variety of sports, camps and activities. One of her highlights was the class cooking book
which her Year 5 class prepared and sold as a fundraising activity for UNICEF (see below).
In addition to her class activities and responsibilities, Emilie has been the Junior Librarian,
and a past Year 2 Coordinator and Head of Bradshaw House.
An exemplary teacher, she has used her considerable skills to help each boy to achieve
his best in classrooms that are always active, stimulating and educationally innovative.
As the interviewee in this edition of Great Scot, she answers some keys questions about
her time at Scotch, and also offers some reflections. DEAN RUSSELL
Many years from now, when you are no
longer teaching, what is one of the Scotch
memories you will reflect on?
One of my fondest memories as a teacher
in the Junior School would have to be when I
taught Year 5, and the boys were so inspired
during a unit of procedural writing and cooking
that we decided to create an authentic class
cookbook. They worked with great dedication
to complete their 5I Mini Chefs’ Cookbook
which was professionally printed.
We decided to use the cookbook to raise
money for those less fortunate than ourselves.
We discussed and researched a variety
of charities and the decision was made to
support UNICEF, because the boys were keen
to aim for a goal and see specifically how the
funds would be used.
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Great Scot Issue 158 – December 2019
The students were most impressive,
working as a team after school to sell their
books to the Scotch community. I was
amazed by their motivation and commitment
to raising enough funds to buy a water well
for a village. When the 5I boys were able
to present the cheque to UNICEF I could
not have been more proud. Their level of
excitement and happiness as a result of
doing something for others was very touching.
I will never forget that.
What story will your colleagues tell about
you when you retire?
I am sure my colleagues will reminisce
about my time in Year 2 and as part of the
study of flight, dressing up as an air hostess
alongside my co-pilot for the Great Wungle
Bungle. It was great fun, and the students and
On that final day in December when you
close the door after dismissing your class
for the very last time, I always feel nostalgic
and sad to farewell that group of 26 boys
who I have got to know so well. There is an
attachment formed throughout the year of
shared experiences of laughter, adventure,
light bulb moments and, most importantly,
watching their growth as learners and young
men of character.
In the following year and subsequent years
to come, it is lovely when you see your boys in
the corridors and on the playground offering
a greeting and a smile, but it is never on the
same level. The students change and move
on, as they should, but I hope from time to
time they still reflect on fond memories of
their time in the Junior School.
I think I have the best job in the world,
inspiring, empowering and educating the boys.
What advice would you give our VCE
students as they embark on a life outside
Scotch?
I would say to the VCE students – focus
and give your study everything you can for
the next month. It is such a short time that will
be over before you know it. Put all you can
into your exams and reach for the stars. That
way you will open as many doors as possible.
When making your selections for tertiary
places, go with your heart. Pick something
you are interested in and have passion for.
Your working career is a long one and you
want to love what you do.
What is your favourite corner of the
School, and why?
My favourite corner of the School is
standing outside Littlejohn Chapel and looking
across at the sweeping views of our beautiful
grounds. While staring at our amazing ovals,
I remind myself how lucky I am to teach at
a place which is truly spectacular. I feel very
privileged at these times.