Spotlight on our Staff

Linda Brown

2004 - 2016

It’s been 12 years since I walked through the doors of Melbourne Girls’ College and I enjoyed every moment of it. While students graduate at the end of 6 years, I feel I have graduated twice, made many friends and grown as an individual.  I’ve probably taught over 1,000 students in my teaching career, with each class and student unique.  I have had the pleasure of teaching in girls’ schools for 22 of my 25 years in education.

When I first arrived at Melbourne Girls’ College I was the Head of the Technology Department, and my subject areas were wood technology, art and information technology.   I had come from Mentone Girls’ Secondary College where I had taught for 10 years previously.  What I loved about my teaching methods is that they allowed me to teach what some would consider only comes naturally.  What I mean by this is that some students (and adults) would say “I can’t draw”, “I am not good at making things”, “I can’t use power tools” or “I am not good with computers”.  My philosophy is that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.  If you can write, you can draw.  If you can make a cake, you can build a coffee table.  If you like puzzles, you can build a website or use a software program.  That is my approach to teaching and I love watching the confidence of students grow as they realise that they definitely can do anything they put their mind to.

After two years of leading the Technology Department, I took on the role of Middle School Director, overseeing Years 7, 8 and 9, which I did for a year before being appointed an Assistant Principal.  In this role I directed my passion for the Arts and Technology areas by becoming involved in the building program, which saw the development of the Arts and Technology Wings.  I worked with some wonderful people over this time who have a passion for improving student outcomes and wellbeing and the school went from strength to strength.

It has been my privilege to have worked with Judy Crowe, Principal, and Kay Clarke, Assistant Principal for many years.

More recently I was fortunate to have worked with Karen Money,  Principal, and Brent Houghton and Tip Kennedy, Assistant Principals.  Each of these wonderful people are in their roles because they want to make a difference to the students.

But the highlight for me was working with the most amazing Alumni team to plan and host the 21st birthday celebrations.  It was a wonderful day celebrated with music, laugher and a sense of pride.  To seeour Foundation Principal, Cavell Zangelis, and subsequent Principals - Jan Parkes, Judy Crowe and Karen Money come together with their former and current Assistant Principals was memorable and we were able to acknowledge the many achievements of the school community over that time.

I have now returned to Mentone Girls’ Secondary College as their Principal but will forever be attached to MGC and have many fond memories to take with me. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the MGC Alumni community as a past teacher.