Great Scot December 2023 Great Scot 170_December 2023_E-MAG_new | Page 54

STAFF FAREWELLS
an English and Media teacher . Beyond the classroom , Levi was an integral part of the Scotch experience . Whether leading cricket teams during summer or football teams in the winter , his dedication to sports and extracurricular activities left an indelible mark on the community .
Throughout his tenure , Levi took on various roles , including Teacher-in-Charge of Year 9 Adventurers , House Tutor , and Academic Tutor on the Hill . In all of his roles , Levi demonstrated his deep-rooted desire to provide the best possible outcomes for the boys in his care .
After much dreaming and planning , Levi has headed over to the United Kingdom to encounter new classrooms , new students and new colleagues . His dedication , enthusiasm , and commitment left an enduring impact on all of us at Scotch and he will be deeply missed , especially by the English Department . Jackie Cowcher
DR SCARLET LUK Scarlet joined the Scotch English Department with a Yale PhD in hand , for which she had explored novels that ‘ hold a mirror up to the constructedness of all they depict .’ I filched this phrase from her book , because it contains much I admire about Scarlet as a person . Her mirror-like powers of clarity and reflection I can almost take for granted and set aside ; her brilliance scintillates a mile out .
What ’ s even more compelling about Scarlet is the genuine care with which she attends to the abidingly strange , kaleidoscopic wonder of the world : wryly recognising that little in life is ineluctably set in stone , she seems still to see everything , and to meet each of us , from a place of extraordinary interest in what is signature and distinct – in what makes me ‘ me ’ and what makes you ‘ you .’ Her capacity to understand the intricacies , and the simplicity , of the human heart and its expressions makes her a transformative educator and an uncommonly good friend .
Scarlet ’ s four years of teaching English and Literature at Scotch could
well coalesce as a celebrated ‘ Luk era .’ Her empathic intelligence , warm wit and trenchant teaching endeared her to Scotch students and staff alike . In 2022 she became the face of Scotch on a global scale , stepping in to lead the international student exchange program , newly renascent after a few years locked down .
For her the role was perfect , because she was so well attuned to students ’ experience of a world she daily helped them enlarge . ( She ’ s also , somewhat secretly , an expert collector of high-end trekking gear , ready at a moment ’ s notice to hop a flight , hike a peak or brave a storm , with the hippest wool hat game in teaching .) For Scotch , Scarlet suited the role because of the deep , humane judgment she wielded with consummate competence .
I rarely presume to ‘ speak for all of us ,’ but feel confident about doing so in wishing for Scarlet the brightest horizons on her new path . May the homing instinct she provided many a Scotchie return her to Morrison Street , herself , for heaps of happy visits back . Dr Brandon Tilley
SARAH MCCLEARY
To see Sarah at work in the classroom was to experience her meticulous mind , her deep subject knowledge , and her contagious enthusiasm , firsthand . When students entered her classroom , they were met with carefully curated resources , finely-tuned lesson plans and rigorous feedback . But more importantly , they were met with genuine connection , and teaching expertise of the highest order and joy .
The clarity with which students recalled Sarah ’ s lessons is a mark of her impact . In particular , Sarah ’ s English Language students will tell you their understanding of language was permanently altered by her lessons . It is no surprise they react this way ; what an incredible thing it must be to be taught about the history , mechanics and shifting nature of language by someone so authentically passionate .
To enrich students ’ learning , Sarah carefully hunted for real-life language examples . Undoubtedly , students will fondly recall examples from lessons on slang , taboo language and teen speak . But perhaps most memorable would have been the lessons on childhood language acquisition , when Sarah brought in transcripts of her own children , Jack and Grace .
Unsurprisingly , if you travel down to the English Department , you will be sure to encounter a budding linguistic . Increased engagement in linguistics can be attributed to the English Language team , who have worked tirelessly to refine the subject . Sarah ’ s role in the flourishing of English Language was pivotal ; she worked collaboratively with her colleagues , developed curriculum , refined assessment , mentored staff , and encouraged students .
Sarah ’ s expertise was highly valued in all areas of English , where she contributed to the shaping of numerous courses over the years . Her careful hand and understanding of how boys learn best was visible in every document she worked on . As Acting Deputy Head of English , Sarah assisted James in the running of the department with professionalism and warmth . She was a masterful organiser and displayed an incredible capacity to care deeply for her colleagues .
As a Form Teacher , Sarah ’ s care , clear expectations , and thoughtful guidance saw her students progress through the Middle School with enhanced confidence and a heightened capacity for critical thinking .
On the Hill , in her boarding roles as an Academic Tutor and Acting Deputy Head of House , Sarah helped boys find a feeling of home . Always finely attuned to the social , emotional , and academic needs of her charges , Sarah was the ideal fit for the boarding environment .
In all areas of her work , Sarah ’ s kindness , knack for connection , and positivity enhanced the school immeasurably . She naturally built lasting and powerful relationships .
Wherever you were lucky enough to encounter Sarah during her time at Scotch , you would have been better for the experience . In thanking Sarah for all that she contributed to Scotch , we wish her ,
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