Meet the President

In this edition of Alumni News, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Godfrey to the role of president of the St Mary's College Alumni Association in 2024. 

Rebecca replaces outgoing president, Margaret Rootes, who remains on the committee as secretary. We thank Marg for her invaluable time and contributions throughout her tenure. 

A familiar face in the College community and a passionate and active member of the Alumni, Rebecca—who hails from the class of 2000—was the former secretary of the Alumni Committee on which she has served for a number of years.  

She is also a current SMC parent (mum to Isabelle in Year 5) and in 2024, she returned to her beloved alma mater to teach maths and science in the Senior School. 

As a mechanical engineer in her 'past' life, Rebecca intends to use the science and maths knowledge she has honed throughout years in the industry to inspire curiosity in the next generation of STEM professionals. 

'I hope to bring some of my external experience as a mechanical engineer into the classroom,' says Rebecca, who currently teaches Year 9 Maths, 9/10 Science and Marine and Antarctic Science at St Mary’s College.

'I'm really passionate about encouraging more students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) to consider engineering careers and pathways towards tertiary engineering studies.'

Rebecca also hopes to bridge the gap between school and industry, adding that connecting students with industry mentors and other positive mentors can help enhance learning outcomes.

And despite the misconception that mechanical engineers 'just do a lot of physical work on the tools', Rebecca says the role is in fact much broader than this, which is something she wants to promote to her students. 

'Working in engineering can be really dynamic, creative and challenging. There are elements of drawing and design, calculating measurements, specifying different materials, project management and dealing with stakeholders.' 

Rebecca has memories of her own maths teacher who sparked her love of STEM and teaching: Mr David Thomson.

'My interest in STEM started when I was a student in Year 9 or 10. I missed a lot of school in Year 8 due to being quite unwell, and I credit my enduring interest in maths to Mr Thomson,' she recalls. 

'Mr Thomson was a major source of encouragement and support during this challenging period of my life. He pushed me to keep going when things felt overwhelming and saw that I could reach my full potential in the subject.

'In Year 12, I studied physics and chemistry. I had a keen interest in Forensic Science, but a few roadblocks got in the way of me studying this is at university. Ultimately, my love of physical science led me down the engineering pathway.'

Rebecca worked in engineering for almost nine years before the world changed in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to remote learning. 

'With two young children at the time (in Year 4 and Year 1), I suddenly found myself becoming very familiar with the curriculum and I enjoyed finding extra tasks to support their at-home learning,' she admits.

'I ended up taking on some tutoring work during this time, and after a lot of "umming and ahhing," I jumped into teaching—and am loving it.'

As a teacher, Rebecca is driven by a love of learning and gets the greatest joy out of the journey of watching students benefit from the discovery process.

'It’s all about the little successes—those small ‘wins’ that boost confidence and build momentum; when a student thinks they don’t know how to do something and then realise that they, in fact, can,' she says. 

'Watching the discovery process play out and seeing students making those connections is really gratifying.' 

Quick-fire questions: 

What has been your biggest influence as an educator? 

Many SMC teachers have influenced me in a professional sense—Margaret Rootes, in particular, was an incredibly supportive mentor for me when I started teaching. Also, one of our past principals, Sr Ona, is a major inspiration to this day. She was a very big support to me and my family when I was unwell; she went above and beyond the call of duty for us. Sr Ona instilled values in me that have shaped me, personally and professionally. Like Sr Ona, if ever I see a need in Maths or Science, I hope I make my students feel supported and inspired.

You’re a familiar face around the College as a current parent, past student and president of the St Mary’s College Alumni Committee. What was it like returning to teach at your alma mater?

The most fascinating thing about returning to SMC was having access to the old convent building (which was strictly off limits to students). It was also an interesting experience finding my way around the College—there have been a lot of changes to the buildings since my time as a student. Funnily enough, my Pastoral Care room today was once my English classroom and Lorise Clark was my English teacher!

Wearing a few different hats [as a current parent, teacher, President of the St Mary’s College Alumni Committee] has given me a wider perspective of the College community and a deeper appreciation for how SMC shows up for my child.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time as an SMC student?

Year 12 was a standout year for me.

What were you like as a student? 

Really nerdy!

What is your wish for students this year? 

To be happy, confident learners.

Rebecca, pictured above, with the St Mary's College class of 2000.