Committee Member Spotlight: Ross Scymgeour

SA/NT Chapter Deputy President

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you call it?

I woke up – it was a great start to the day

What do you like most about Educate Plus?

The diversity in opportunity that the organisation offers and also that it supports all levels/stages/ages of the Advancement area.

How has Educate Plus helped you in your career development?

The professional development and engagement opportunities provided by the organisation have been very valuable in helping me develop my knowledge in the aspects of Advancement where I have gaps or need to learn more. Interacting with like-minded people is also a highlight.

What is the most rewarding part of your role at Prince Alfred College?

Being part of a forward moving organisation with a group of people that know where they/we are going and enjoy the process/journey

How did you first learn about Educate Plus?

In my previous role I worked closely with the people responsible for Marketing and Fundraising at the school I was working in and decided to attend a conference (ADAPE at the time) to assess the value of them attending. Needless to say I was impressed enough to budget for their future attendance at these events!

Who would you like to be for a day?

Someone who is pretty much free to do what they would like to do rather than what they have to do – for the whole day

Favourite movie?

Anything with a bit of action in it – not a fan of slow moving movies

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Exercise – I go stir crazy if I cannot exercise each day

Who has had the biggest impact on your career thus far and why?

As a young teacher, the first ‘real’ principal that I had saw something in me that I didn’t. I was ready to move out of education at the time and she gave me opportunities that got me really engaged in both the kids and the profession.

Favourite travel spot?

Coromandel Peninsula and Central Otago in NZ

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

For three weeks I tended 10,000 tomato plants, mainly pruning the laterals by hand. At the end of each day, my back ached and my fingers were dark green.

What are your three most overused words/phrases?

Really?, How do you know what you don’t know?, I would be interested to know….