INTERVIEW : NICOLE WEBB
PREP CLASSROOM ASSISTANT
What is your role at Scotch ?
I started at Scotch in 2018 as a Classroom Assistant in Year 2 . In 2020 I changed year levels and have since been working with Year Prep .
My role as a Classroom Assistant is varied and can be defined as ‘ a bit of anything and everything ’. On a daily basis , I assist staff and students by working with small groups of students , setting up activities , attending to year level administration and resourcing , tending to the emotional needs of students , or anything else , as required . My background in teaching and integration has prepared me well for this multifaceted role .
What ignited your passion to teach ?
I have always had a passion for education . For as long as I can remember , being a teacher was all I wanted to do – very clichéd , but true . My original interest was in the pre-school age group . However , secondary schooling work experience placements gave me a taste of both pre-school and primary education
team manager at my children ’ s sporting teams , or fundraising for valuable causes .
Is there an interesting fact about you that you are willing to share ?
I have had a lifelong passion for books and reading . As such , I completed a degree in Information Management ( Teacher- Librarian ) following my education degree . I also love jigsaw puzzles … as long as they are not full of sky and grass scenes !
What do you find most rewarding about teaching ?
I love to watch children learn and grow . I love the joy on their faces as they experience or discover new things – the joy of reading a book or the excitement of overcoming a challenge , no matter how big or small .
MONDAY 7 AUGUST 2023 : CELEBRATING 100 DAYS OF PREP - THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
Nicole commenced work at Scotch in 2018 , and from that very first day it has been a pleasure working with her . She is diligent , organised and in tune with students ’ needs . Often , I begin asking her for help only to find she has already completed what I was thinking about . Even though Prep is very demanding , she always has a smile on her face . I love working with Nicole . She always manages to do this with a high level of respect and patience , knowledge and expertise , to provide the very best care and support for the boys with whom she is working . Scotch is fortunate to have Nicole as part of our highly important team .
ALLIE NASH from a teacher perspective . I was hooked . I eventually decided that primary teaching would provide me with a broader range of educational opportunities .
What personal qualities do you most admire in others ?
I admire compassion , empathy and patience : people who can look beyond the obvious ‘ black and white ’ and understand that life is full of ‘ grey ’ areas that need exploring .
Do you have a mantra or philosophy that you try to live by ?
I don ’ t really have a mantra or philosophy , but if I had to choose , maybe it would be ‘ one good turn deserves another ’. I have always been one to volunteer for a good cause , whether it be as a parent helper in the classroom , as a www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 27