Our Staff

Interview with….. Mel Janson

What subjects do you teach here? 

A mixed bag- Year 7 Humanities, Year 12 PE, Middle School Health, PE and Food Tech.

When did you start teaching here? 

2021 – it is my third year here! 

What were your favourite subjects at High School in years 7 and year 12? 

Year 7: PE and Art. 

Year 12: PE, HHD and Visual Communication

Why study…..PE? 

To understand the importance of being physically active for life and understand how the body works. Plus, we do some pretty fun practical classes! 

Favourite experience here at MBSC?

I really enjoyed the Middle School Outdoor Ed Feathertop hike in 2021. It is still one of my favourite experiences I have done at the school (I have done plenty since). But the group was awesome, and The Razorback has spectacular views. 

Best thing you’ve eaten in cooking class here?

A simple but classic we cook each year is a Brookie – A Cookie and brownie combined! Too good. 

Worst thing you’ve eaten in cooking class here? 

A student adding salt instead of sugar into a sweet dish 🤢 Always read the recipe!!!! 

Ski, snowboard, bike or run? 

Hmmm – My favourite is running and skiing. Probably running because I can do it all year-round. 

Place you would like to visit next?

 I would love to ski in Canada or Japan. 

Have you ever had your lunch stolen from the staffroom? 

Technically no… but Mr Carroll always tries to steal some of my food. 

Why should students go on school excursions? 

Great way to get to know your peers and teachers in a different setting. I find it’s always beneficial for everyone who attends, and we offer some great excursions each year. 

Best study tip for students? 

Seek feedback from your teachers and ask lots of questions!!

Favourite Movie?

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

If you could magically take your food class to any restaurant in Victoria and eat for free, where would you take them? 

Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld - Every morning the chefs head out to select ingredients and find inspiration for the day’s menu from their local garden. 

If you could get any famous athlete to be your assistant coach in PE who would you choose and why? 

Ash Barty – Super talented in different sports and overall great person. 

What are you listening to Music/podcast? 

The Imperfects podcast (by The Resilience Project) and usually Australian Indie music on Spotify.

What are you reading? (book/magazine/website) 

I usually read a few books at once – Running related, thriller, romance, or general fiction. I’m up to book 28 of this year.

Favourite book(s)? 

Hmmm, this is a hard one! Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku.

(Psssst......The Inheritance Games is in our library and the Happiest Man on Earth is on our book wish list if anyone would like to donate it to our library- ed)

Favourite ski mountain? 

Falls Creek for sure. If I go overseas, I’m sure I will change my mind. 

What do you enjoy most about working here at Mount Beauty Secondary College? 

Being so close to the Mountains and I enjoy working with the students and staff every day. Bonus when I get free food at work.