MGSE Welcomes alumni back on campus

This week, MGSE held its first Master of Teaching / Master of Learning Intervention alumni reunion for the classes of 2018 through 2021.

The event, which took place in the new Arts and Cultural Building on the Parkville campus, gave our recent graduates a chance to catch up with each other and with the MGSE.

As part of the formalities, Johanna Simmons, a graduate of Teach for Australia, gave an inspiring speech. In 2013, Johanna got her PGDipTeach from the Teach for Australia initiative. She is currently a Master Teacher in English at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

Johanna talked about her life after MGSE study and the many opportunities education had given her to have a fulfilling career, one that allowed her to keep her open-mindedness and to "stand for something."

After Johanna's talk, a panel discussion led by Dean Prof Jim Watterston talked about the big issues of the day in the post-COVID context of "Shifting the system: how can we make education better for everyone."

Stanley Wang, Principal of Abbotsford Primary School, joined the MGSE panellists A/Prof Lisa McKay-Brown, Prof Larissa McLean Davies, and Prof Sandra Millian in a lively discussion that was punctuated by applause and cheers from the audience.

One member of the audience summed up the mood in the room by saying, "I feel energized and inspired after listening to Johana and the panel discussion."

A reception followed, with the general atmosphere merely being described as "buzzing."

The alumni loved the MGSE hoodies, the food from Mabu Mabu was great, and the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones was much appreciated. Even after the event was over, about 30 alumni were still talking animatedly.

We hope that this is the start of a long-term relationship between MGSE and its alumni.

In 2023, MGSE plans to offer a similar event to our MEd alumni.