Elli Monro left Bendigo after 13 years as a student at Girton Grammar. She did not expect to return, but she says that in hindsight, it’s no real surprise that she has, or that her two young daughters now go to the school.
Elli has a range of teaching experience including relief teaching in London, a Jewish School in Essex and four years at Cheltenham Secondary School in Melbourne. She is now the Head of Humanities at Girton and teaches Geography, History and Sociology.
“I have such fond memories of my time at Girton. My friends, the teachers, the size and pace of the school and the school grounds were fantastic.
“Playing under the big peppercorn tree still lives large in my memory.
“The Bendigo community and the School’s place in this city is so well-suited to my family so it’s no real surprise, that like so many others, I’ve ended up back here with my family,” Elli said.
Elli has a swag of qualifications that have helped shape her career, starting with an Arts Degree with a double major in Sociology from LaTrobe University in Melbourne. She also has a Graduate Diploma in History and a Diploma of Education, both from Monash University in Melbourne. As if that were not enough, she is now studying Psychology at Swinburne Online University, whilst with her husband Joe, raising two daughters, Mai in Year 1 and Olivia in Prep.
Elli fondly remembers her most influential teachers were Mrs Killeen in Grade 2 and junior school sports teacher Mr Derek.
“They were both so enthusiastic and good humoured. They seemed to love their job.
“In Senior School I loved Mrs Margieson (Year 8 Science). She saw potential in me and made Science challenging and engaging,” she said.
Elli feels that the biggest change in the school since she was a student is the high level of interconnectivity. She says that the School is now firmly entrenched within the fabric and culture of Bendigo and with other schools around the country and through the internet, students are globally connected.
“The educational, social, and cultural opportunities of these networks are powerful and profound,” she said.
Elli lives close to the heart of Bendigo and says she has way too many chickens. All of the family enjoy a range of sports and they travel whenever they can.
Pictured: Elli and family on holiday
