Alumni Spotlight

Virginia Danahay (née Green, Class of 1990)

For this Berwick College Alumni, a love of learning, literature and teaching has shaped a career that came full circle, taking her from being a Berwick College student to an educator inspiring the next generation.

After graduating from Berwick in 1990, Virginia was unsure exactly which pathway she wanted to pursue. She knew she loved learning and wanted to continue into tertiary education, but the direction was unclear. After considering Law, Psychology and Journalism, she enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University.

Her fascination with ancient history and literature led her to complete an Honours degree in English and Egyptian Archaeology in 1994, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Education in 1995. Virginia began her teaching career at Emerald Secondary College in 1996 and also commenced a PhD exploring the use of DNA technology to identify family relationships among members of the ancient Egyptian royal family from the 18th Dynasty. While completing her PhD remains a goal for the future, teaching English and Literature quickly became her passion. Today, Virginia is a VCE English Teacher at St Catherine’s School, where she continues to share her love of literature, writing and learning with students. Virginia’s passion for English began during her own time at Berwick College. She fondly remembers the English electives offered in Years 9 and 10, which gave students the opportunity to explore creative writing and publish their own work. "It was heaven to a budding young writer!" Her VCE Literature classes were also a highlight, with teachers Rob Osborne, Judy Horn and Enza Sgroi leaving a lasting impact.

"They were engaging, highly knowledgeable and always full of wit. They included, encouraged and supported every student, regardless of their level of ability. They saw me as a person, not just a student."

Their influence inspired Virginia to return to Berwick College in 1996, this time as an English and Literature teacher. She spent 10 years at the College before working in the publishing industry, editing magazines and journals, before later returning for another eight years, including time as English and Literacy Leader.

"Coming back to Berwick as a teacher was like coming home."

Virginia’s fondest memories include teaching alongside her former teachers, sharing her love of Shakespeare, film and poetry with students, and helping young people find their own voice through literature. When asked what Virginia misses most about Berwick College...

"It is always about the students for me. Berwick students were and will always be an entertaining and engaging mix of intelligence, enthusiasm, passion and courage in every endeavour, whether it be academic, sporting, leadership. I am proud to be a former Berwick student. 

Berwick students become great people, doing great things."

Thank you, Virginia, for continuing to teach the Berwick College community through story telling 💫

Alumni Spotlight: 

If you are a Berwick College alum or know an alum with a great story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to our Alumni Program Coordinator, Jessica, to get involved – alumni@berwickcollege.vic.edu.au