Alumni Program News

Alumna returns to celebrate Steam Week: Amelia McCutcheon

What a pleasure it was welcoming 2001 alumna, Amelia McCutcheon back to speak at the MFG STEAM week assembly.

It was so touching to hear Amelia open her speech thanking teachers, Natalie Angove and Kerry Haddon, for having a significant impact on her education and ultimately her chosen pathway. These teachers also sparked some fond memories for her, one of which dressed and taught in a chicken suit - now that is a secondary school memory she will never forget!!

Her passion for Science was obvious as she shared with students her favourite element on the Periodic Table: Manganese. Dressed in a rainbow jumper, Amelia discussed her love of colour and how ionised manganese changes colour according to the oxidation state of the ions.

Amelia touched on her work as a Scientist at Shell, Rohm and Haas and Dow and noted 2009 as a pivotal year of her career where she met two significant individuals: Sir Harry Kroto and Paul Hawken, both of whom inspired her to take a different path. Amelia knew she was passionate about Science but, after meeting these two men, realised she really wanted to work with students. This realisation prompted her to complete her Diploma of Education which led to her tutoring Maths and Science students (she has her own Tutoring Business: ‘The Zen of Chemistry’) and lecturing at The Biolab in Belmont.  

Amelia’s ultimate message to students was to do what you love and to be curious, concluding her presentation with a quote by Albert Einstein, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

We look forward to having Amelia return to MFG again next month where she will be running an end of unit revision session for Year 12 Chemistry students.

Thank you, Amelia for sharing your passion and generosity and for giving back to your old school.

Inspirational alumna excelling in the Arts: Tara Vagg

I recently attended the Centre Stage Production of ‘The Sound of Music’ at GPAC. An absolutely brilliant musical showcasing our local talent including ’09 alumna (and past Sweetheart), Tara Vagg. This was Tara’s debut with Centre Stage where she played the role of hoity-toity, Baroness Schraeder.

After graduating from MFG, Tara completed her Bachelor of Arts (Acting) at the Arts Academy of Federation University (formerly known as BAPA) and has achieved so much since then. Some of her accomplishments include playing the role of Tess in the comedy series ‘Rostered On’, which has aired on both Netflix and 7mate, touring internationally (through Asia and Europe) with the play ‘Missing’, appearing in Neighbours and on AAMI Insurance commercials and so much more. Tara also had the opportunity to study with renowned voice coach, Patsy Rodenburg, at the Michael Howard Studios, New York, which was a dream come true for her.

Tara is currently in production for the independent TV feature film Verite`, playing the role of Cathy.

Congratulations Tara, on all that you have achieved and continue to achieve in the Arts.

If you’re a MFG alumna and have not been in contact please touch base and let me know what you have been up to since graduating alumni@mfgsc.vic.edu.au

Tanja Dunat Timms

(Ourschool Alumni Program Manager)