Staff in profile
Staff in profile
Interview with Jillian Moore
Jillian Moore commenced working at Scotch in 2003 as an Integration Aide in Connie DiNatale’ s Year 1 classroom. Her professional background in the media was both varied and interesting. Highlights included working at Channel Nine as part of the production team for The Don Lane Show and special projects, which included the Logies and Royal Command Performances. Jillian worked for the Packer organisation both in television( Channel Nine) and Australian Consolidated Press( Gourmet Traveller and Mode magazines).
Jillian is happily married to Andrew and they have two wonderful sons, Christopher and Jonathan. Although her boys attended St Kevin’ s College, Christopher completed his final teaching round with Paul McMahon in the Physical Education department at Scotch.
Jillian is a passionate cook and enjoys entertaining at home for family and friends. Her specialty dish is soufflés, both sweet and savoury, but her family all agree that whatever ends up on the table is always the best!
I have very fond memories of working with Jillian when I first arrived at Scotch. She supported one of the boys in my mathematics class, but also helped me settle into life in the Junior School. Jillian was a wonderful member of the Year 5 team, and offered support to both the teachers and the boys. We often recall our memories of that time and our fondness for the characters who were part of the journey.
Since 2011 Jillian has taken on the role of Year 1 classroom assistant; she also supervises the lunchtime and after school chess programs and assists with the management of the Junior School bookroom.
Jillian is a warm, generous and well-respected member of staff who is a dear friend to many, and can often be found enjoying a laugh at recess times. We always look forward to our special morning teas where Jillian spoils us with her delicious chocolate brownies. ANTHONY TASCA
Many years from now, when you are no longer teaching, what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect on to warm your heart?
When I am no longer a teacher, I will look back fondly at the memory of how my time at Scotch always felt like home. The colleagues, boys and parents whom I shared my days with will always hold a special place in my heart. I will smile as I recall my drive through the Boarding House at the top of Callantina Road. I know the thought of smiling faces greeting me with a bright‘ Hello Mrs Moore’ will bring a tear to my eye. But the most precious memory will be the thought of a little Scotchie holding a door open for me every morning because my hands were full. What story will your colleagues tell about you at your farewell speech when you retire?
I hope that my farewell speech recalls the meaningful relationships I made with the families I have worked with in my role as Integration Aide. I had the privilege of supporting their sons as they began their education. When my colleagues chat about me I know they will tell stories about the many boys that I sat next to, and hopefully they will recall that my assistance made it a little easier for the learning to continue in the classroom. My colleagues will also share with the audience my passions outside of school. They will talk about the love I have for my husband and our two sons. They will also tell you how much I love my furry family member. Of course they will scoff at my over the top obsession with my beloved football team – Essendon. I am and always will be a passionate Bombers supporter( in good times and bad). What has been your biggest challenge at Scotch?
When I started my teaching journey 15 years ago, the role of Integration Aide was a fairly new one at Scotch. As I recall, I was the second aide that had ever worked here. With a new role, the parameters of the job were yet to be defined. My willingness to be flexible in the role has served me well. My first concern was always to assist the boys with special needs and to support the classroom teacher.
As the plasticity of the role moulded to suit me, I know that my influence over the years may have changed the thinking of many colleagues. I was the advocate for these boys. The work that I began all those years ago showed how important it is to have one-on-one assistance for boys in the classroom. What is your favourite corner of the school and why?
There are three favourite corners that I experience every year, the first being the very first day when the boys start their new year. The excitement in their little faces is priceless. I am delighted to see unknown expressions and the happiness they show when they walk into their new classroom on day one.
My second is seeing the VCE students who started at the Junior School. The young men return before their final exams to visit, and it brings a tear to my eye to see them all grown up and how they have become such amazing young men. I have to say I am chuffed when they remember me.
My final corner is the Christmas concert held on the last Tuesday of the school year. That afternoon is amazing, as it embodies so much of what this great school is all about. It is just the most special way to finish every year at Scotch. What is the best advice you have ever received?
My beautiful mother always said to be yourself in everything you do: always give people love, kindness, respect and support, as this will help you in life’ s ups and downs. Treat people the way you would like to be treated, and you will have a happy and peaceful life.
This has been something that I have lived by and hope that I do every day.‘ Speaking kindly about others helps make our world a better place.’
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