Taralee McGrath (nee Schreuders)- Class of 2004

Taralee graduated from Kilvington in 2004 and has built a 17-year career at Grandiflora Nurseries, Australia’s largest cut flower rose farm. She is a devoted mother of two and continues to live by Kilvington’s motto, “Not for our own but others’ good.”

Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington?

A: After waving goodbye to Kilvington in 2004, I plunged headfirst into the world of business and technology, tackling both a Diploma of Business Management and a Diploma of Information Technology at Holmesglen Institute. By 2008, I'd earned my Bachelor of Business and Commerce and was ready to take on the world.

And what better way to do that than with a backpack and my best friend from Kilvington! The day after graduation, we kicked off a six-week European adventure – a dream we'd cooked up during countless Year 10 and Year 11 lunchtimes. And let me tell you, it was absolutely incredible!

On return from my European trip, I dove headfirst into the fragrant world of Grandiflora Nurseries, Australia's largest cut flower rose farm and where I remain today. For the past 17 years, I have immersed myself in the Research & Development of Cut Flower Rose Breeding, exploring the intricate genetics and lineage that unveil novel colours and styles of roses for the global market. The greatest challenge lies in developing robust roses capable of thriving across diverse global climates and altitudes, alongside the demanding foresight required to anticipate the trending hues of the next five years. This passion has taken me around the globe visiting many rose farms throughout South America, Africa, Europe and Asia where I offer expert growing advice on roses I have created. 

Keen to learn more, I completed a Bachelor of Horticulture and a Graduate Certificate in Graphic Design at night school while working full-time. I also took on Japanese, Dutch, and Spanish language lessons to enable me to better connect with my global business associates.

After welcoming two beautiful children into my life, my focus shifted within the business. I'm now channelling my passion into crafting meaningful and personalised floral tributes for Melbourne's funeral industry. There's a profound sense of satisfaction in helping families honour their loved ones with designs that truly tell their story.

I‘m also the Marketing Director at Grandiflora, creating catalogues, designing websites, crafting promotional materials, and managing our social media presence daily. It's a whirlwind, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington?

A: My heart still hums with the magic of being part of the "Sweet Charity" and "The King and I" school productions. And who could forget Mr. Martin Wareham, he was a true chameleon – transforming into "Ranger Wareham" on school camp, then morphing into "Detective Wareham" for Cyber Sleuths. Those memories always bring a smile to my face.

Q: Any funny stories?

A: Oh, absolutely! On my very first day at Kilvington, in the first class, we were tasked with listing as many facts as possible about William Shakespeare before diving into The Tragedy of Macbeth. I proudly declared that Shakespeare's birthday was April 23rd, and for a glorious moment, everyone thought I was a genius. Little did they know, I only knew that because we shared the same birthday! It didn't take long for them to realise I wasn't quite the Shakespearean scholar they first imagined.

Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school?

A: While I was at school, I had dreams of opening a florist café with my best friend. I was going to be the florist, and she was going to bake delicious sweet treats. So not precisely, but I'm incredibly happy to still be working with roses. I always knew that was my passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate that I've been able to, quite literally, stop and smell the roses every single day. There is still time for us to open the Florist Café in the future. 

Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you are doing now?

A: My time at Kilvington was truly invaluable in shaping the path I've walked. The rigorous academic curriculum instilled in me a powerful work ethic and sharpened my critical thinking skills – both essential for navigating the complex professional landscape. The supportive and stimulating learning environment fuelled my intellectual curiosity, pushing me to explore diverse interests. Beyond the academics, Kilvington's emphasis on character development and community engagement equipped me with the interpersonal skills and empathy crucial for building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with others. It taught me how to be resilient, back myself, and know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, even if I stumble along the way.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now?

A: The unexpected passing of my husband in early 2023 was a profound and devastating loss. During that incredibly difficult time, the unwavering support of two dear friends from Kilvington was a true lifeline. Despite their own demanding lives – one had just given birth to their fourth child and the other was heavily pregnant with a broken foot – they travelled a long distance to attend my husband's funeral. Their selfless presence brought immense comfort, and I am eternally grateful for their compassion and support. It's a testament to the incredible bonds forged at Kilvington that endure through life's toughest moments.

Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles?

A: While I sincerely hope no one else faces the same challenge of losing a loved one so soon, I find immense comfort in knowing that I am keeping my husband's memories alive for our children. Focus on the love that remains and find ways to honour those you've lost by living fully and keeping their spirit alive in your everyday.

Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far?

A: Without a doubt, creating my beautiful family. My two gorgeous children keep me busy and grounded, and I truly hope I can share my passion for rose breeding with them. In fact, my 4-year-old daughter recently told her teacher she's ready to quit school and come work with me at the farm with the roses – definitely a highlight!

Another incredible highlight was helping to breed the perfect pink rose and naming it after my best friend from Kilvington, 'Felicia'. I was even a bridesmaid at her wedding and helped create her wedding bouquet, which, of course, featured the 'Felicia' rose. It was a full-circle moment!

Q: What excites you about the future?

A: I'm still fiercely dedicated to a personal quest: breeding the perfect magenta-coloured rose to match the iconic jumper we wore at Kilvington. It's a formidable challenge, as that specific hue in a rose hasn't been created yet, but the pursuit of it truly excites me!

Q: How did what you learned at Kilvington help make you the person you are today?

A: Kilvington instilled in us the power to be strong and to persevere no matter the circumstances. It taught me to back myself and to know that I can achieve anything. Even when we stumble, I truly feel that Kilvington prepared me to dust myself off, find another path, and embrace the journey, knowing it will be an adventure.

Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey?

A: As you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for incredible growth, and don't be afraid to bravely step outside your comfort zone. Always be kind – to yourself and to others – and never, ever underestimate the power of perseverance.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: It's amazing how certain connections follow you through life. My son's incredible third-grade teacher, whom he absolutely adores, is also a Kilvington Alumni! It’s been such a wonderful journey having her as his teacher, and there's something truly special and a bit humorous about how past Kilvington students are drawn to each other. When we discovered our shared Kilvo heritage, we even joked about how we probably spent most of our middle school years in Ms. PR’s office than in the actual classroom!

I was also incredibly honoured to have past teacher and Kilvonian Ann Cleghorn (Class of 1977) visit me at work last year and give her a behind-the-scenes tour of our rose breeding program. It was an amazing opportunity to share my passion for roses with Ann, and her insights and encouragement were invaluable as we discussed the latest advancements and potential future innovations in rose breeding.

And finally, the Kilvington motto, "Not for our own but others' good," still deeply resonates with me. It truly guides the work I do, and how I live my life with my family and friends. It's a profound sentiment that will always stay with me.