Scotch College

Jane Beams

At the end of 2004, Jane Beams will leave Scotch Junior School after more than four years of dedicated and enthusiastic service.

In October 2000, Jane began working in a part-time capacity in the Access Unit, providing educational support to boys in the Upper Primary area. Her enthusiasm, encouragement and motivation inspired the participants in her classes to extend their knowledge and skills.

In 2004, Jane was appointed Junior School drama teacher. She capably combined this new role with her continuing one as educational support teacher. She began the year by leading a team of boys and staff in the fantastic school production, Bilge. She inspired the Upper Primary boys in their drama classes, with an innovative, active and fun program. Theatresports and script-writing activities have developed the boys’ artistic skills and have given many boys the opportunity to perform in front of their peers and in assemblies and concerts.

We wish Jane well as she moves to Haileybury, Keysborough to undertake her new role as Junior and Middle School drama teacher and adviser on Special Education issues. This wonderful opportunity to extend her professional skills, as well as to be closer to home, will provide Jane with both new challenges and opportunities.

Miss Debra McMenamin

Matthew Dickinson

Matthew arrived at Scotch College to teach at the Year 2 level in 1996, after working at Geelong and Haileybury Colleges. During his first year he also took on curriculum responsibilities and provided leadership in the key learning area of science. His involvement and knowledge of science was reflected in all of his class teaching programs, where he had a major focus on ‘hands-on activities’. He always encouraged creative thinking and problem solving and was involved in implementing a number of whole school science days.

Matthew had a year overseas travelling and working in a number of countries, including Japan. When he returned he continued to teach at the Year 4 and Year 6 levels. This period enabled him to further develop his leadership skills and to work with a range of staff and boys as Head of Bradshaw House.

In 2002 he accepted the position as Head of Information Technology and Communication in the Junior School. This has ultimately led him to the senior position of Head of Academic Computing P–12 at Ballarat Grammar School. Part of his role during this period of time has been to provide professional development for staff during the implementation of the intranet, and he has instigated many innovations for our Junior School boys. He has displayed admirable qualities as part of the Scotch College ITC management committee and has been part of the organising committee of VITTA.

While representing the School he has given numerous presentations at both national and international conferences.

Matthew’s commitment to the wellbeing of the staff has been evident in his willingness to lead the Junior School Common Room Association during a two-year period as President.

While his many skills and talents will be sorely missed, we thank him for his wonderful contribution to the education of the boys, the professional development of staff and to the development of ITC in the Junior School. We wish him the best as he furthers his career at Ballarat Grammar School.

Mr Brian Sampson