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In the Spotlight Tony Glover

Tony Glover began at Scotch in 1984, and has taught VCE Environmental Science and Geology, Geography, Science and History. He initiated the Year 10 four-wheel drive outback safari in 1989 and the Nepal Expedition in 1991, leading three trips into the Mt Everest valley. He managed the G H Owen Lodge at Mansfield for six years and was Head of McMeckan (boarding) House from 2000 to 2007.

Tony served the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit for 26 years and was Commanding Officer from 1997 for 13 years, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has been Head of Year 7/8 since last year. Tony married Libby Bassett-Smith in the Littlejohn Chapel in 1994, and they have three children: Peter, in Year 8, Andrew, who will start at Scotch next year, and Paris, their daughter, who is in Grade 3.

What do you like most about your job?

Most importantly, I aim to have a positive impact on the lives of the boys, as Head of Year 7 or 8, in class, or out on the tennis court or football field. I like this aspect of my work most.

It is highly satisfying to see a boy achieve something that he originally thought was impossible, and once he realises this, to encourage and inspire him to venture along pathways that can open up further opportunities for him.

No two days are ever the same; the boys make each day interesting and challenging, and the variety of activities at the school make it an exciting place. I enjoy my interactions with boys, parents and the staff, and the busyness, fun and happiness of the Quad.

What are some of the most memorable times you’ve experienced at Scotch?

The three Nepal expeditions into the Mt Everest Valley clearly stand out. I am confident that the life changing experiences we shared in the Himalayas with the Sherpa community and Peter Hillary are treasured by boys and staff. Meeting Sir Edmund was a privilege. I enjoyed taking approximately 100 weekend trips to the G H Owen Lodge, Mansfield, and the opportunity to do a little fly fishing in the Howqua, cross-country skiing on Stirling, and horse riding at Watsons with the boarders. The 2001 sesquicentenary Cadet Tattoo was my most memorable parade, and the presence of General Peter Cosgrove as reviewing officer made it even more special. I’ll never forget the annual Cadet Camp at Rocklands when it didn’t stop raining or hailing for six days and nights. It was very challenging, cold and muddy, but the spirit among the boys and staff never faltered.

Which student expressions of personal growth impress you?

In cadets, I found it fulfilling to follow the progress of Year 9 cadets through to when they took on senior leadership positions in Year 12. Similarly, it is incredible to see the personal growth that has taken place in a Year 12 student when you have not taught him since Year 7! By the end of a six-year cycle in the Boarding House, I had witnessed the complete journey of students through the Senior School: the holistic growth of a boy into a young man. Recently, my focus has been Years 7 and 8, assisting with their transition to secondary school. Through that journey, you can clearly see the development of identity, the formation of strong friendships, independence, courage and growing confidence.

A really enjoyable aspect of having been at Scotch for quite a while is catching up with Old Boys at OSCA dinners, at parent/teacher interviews, at the MCG – or even in the Tower of London or on the top of Ayers Rock!

How are you involved in student forms of leadership or challenging learning?

As Head of Year 7/8, one of my ‘stamps’ has been the design of the year level assembly programme in conjunction with the Chaplain. The sequence of themes follows the development of adolescent boys, encouraging them to be challenged, to achieve to potential, but also to prepare them for the years ahead. One example this year was Shackleton’s epic survival story to illustrate perseverance and leadership. Alongside the assembly programme, I introduced a ‘thought for the day’ noticeboard where a quote, question, image or extract from daily media is posted to encourage interest and widen perspective.

As classroom teacher, I try to challenge the boys’ learning all the time, encouraging them to question and to think ‘outside the square’.

In regard to leadership, each form has a student leadership team and representatives on student forums and think tanks, considering ways of improving life within and outside Scotch. Boys are encouraged to step forward often, in a variety of environments.

How do you make your ‘own space’?

I do not mind working long hours, nor do I expect or need much of my ‘own space’ on any day at Scotch. The few minutes in the staff room with colleagues over a coffee, discussing anything from the Demons’ win on the weekend to planning a management approach for a student in need, or the odd minute to reflect in the winter sun in the Quad is enough. Walking our dog, Cider, every morning at 6.30am is a good time to think. After hours I use the gym at Kooyong Tennis Club and do a bit of bike-riding. Time with my family is precious. Holidays provide opportunity to recharge the batteries, and occasionally enjoy some family adventures in the outback and beyond. GS

Updated: Monday 24 June 2013