which set Scotch on its pathway to being an accredited Safe School .
Many staff had the benefit of Annemaree ’ s knowledge and support following an injury , and advice across the broad areas of risk and occupational health and safety in the complex environment of Scotch College . Her advice was valued by many in the community , including the Risk Committee of School Council .
Through the pandemic , Annemaree worked closely with Biosafety International to guide our Property , Maintenance and Risk teams to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical environment of the school . Closely following government health advice and guidelines , Annemaree assisted in our development of enhanced ventilation standards , ensuring our time back on campus was as safe as possible .
The Property and Maintenance teams benefited from Annemaree ’ s guidance . We will miss her genuine and caring nature for all staff , and we thank her for providing the sound foundations which underpin the active risk culture across Scotch . Bill Sciarretta
JAMES KEARNEY
A 30-day teaching experience back in July 2013 revealed James Kearney ’ s exceptional talent as a teacher and so his appointment to a full-time English teaching role , commencing at the start of 2014 , came as no surprise .
In the 10 years that James was with us , he taught across all levels – in English , English Literature and Drama . His sharp intellect , wealth of knowledge and phenomenal level of organisation , soon saw him taking up Year Level Coordinator roles . Indeed , four years in , James was appointed to coordinate Year 12 English , which he ably steered from 2018 and on through the tumult of 2020 .
James ’ pedagogical approach was meticulously methodical . His true genius lay in his ability to create clear and soundly designed units of learning that accommodated all students – ensuring accessibility for those requiring support and suitable challenge for those ready for extension . His students appreciated the clarity and precision in the direction and feedback he provided ; feedback which fuelled them with confidence in their ability to achieve their goals and reach new heights .
James tirelessly gave so much of himself in many other important areas of the school . As a Form Teacher in 2015 and 2016 , James helped boys navigate the excitement and challenges of Year 7 . Then , for the past seven years , James continued his commitment to the pastoral care of boys in his Tutor role in Forbes House . As part of Debaters ’ Association of Victoria Debating , James put his organisational might behind masterminding room allocations .
Over in the Drama Department , James contributed to numerous school productions whether as Assistant Director , coordinating ticketing and front-of-house or assisting with make-up . He also co-ran the school ’ s Drama Immersion Program which inspired his award-winning action research project , the findings of which he presented at the 2019 IBSC Conference in Montreal , Canada , and which were published on the IBSC website . He was a Year 10 Outdoor Activities Program coordinator and , rather fittingly , the Teacher-in-Charge of Ninjitsu – the ancient art of being in many places at once !
James ’ time as Deputy Head of English ( 2019-21 ) and Head of English ( from the start of 2022 ) coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic years , and significant movement within our team in the English Department . Through challenge and change , James was a steady and supportive leader : pragmatic and solution-orientated in his approach and committed to nurturing our strength as a team , our passion for teaching English and our dedication to providing our students with access to meaningful and inspiring learning experiences .
James ’ contribution to Scotch and , more specifically , to our English Department was substantial . To work with him was an honour . He will be sorely missed – as a teacher , a colleague , and dear friend – and as he takes on new opportunities and challenges , we wish him all the very best and thank him for all that he has shared with us . Emmie-clare Leckie
LEVI KING (’ 11 ) If you ever walked past Levi ' s classroom when he was in the middle of a lesson , you would have witnessed a unique and engaging learning environment . Observing the attentive faces of his students , it became evident that Levi ' s passion for English and Media was contagious . He had the remarkable ability to enliven the curriculum and captivate his students ' attention by inviting them into a world of deep learning , imbued with passion and creativity .
Levi ’ s reputation as a much-loved teacher was bolstered by the fact that he had an awful lot of fun with his classes . He relished the opportunity to introduce his students to captivating worlds and thoughtprovoking ideas found within imaginative works . Whether he was exploring the depths of dystopian societies or delving into the mysteries of space and time .
Levi ' s enthusiasm for exposing students to a variety of genres and text forms ignited a spark of curiosity within them . Wherever possible , he incorporated films , graphic novels , and video games into his lessons to enhance the boys ’ media literacy skills .
An enthusiastic lover of story , humour and expression , Levi looked to share that with others . Whether he was trading Simpsons quotes in the staff room , debating the minutiae of Batman lore or exchanging science-fiction novel recommendations , Levi was always celebrating great storytelling and as a friend and colleague , it was a joy to spend time with him .
As a teacher , Levi ' s unapologetic enthusiasm for interesting storytelling cultivated a sense of belonging and encouraged students to foster their own passions .
Levi ' s journey at Scotch began as a student as part of the graduating class of 2011 . After studying at Monash University , he returned to his alma mater in 2018 as
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