At the heart of an exceptional education lies an extraordinary educator or educators. At Melbourne Girls Grammar, our Grammarians are surrounded by dedicated teaching and professional support staff, a group united by a shared commitment to give every Grammarian the tools she needs to succeed and leave our red brick walls empowered to use her voice.

Through deep subject knowledge, innovative pedagogy and a passion for lifelong learning, our educators shape a learning environment where excellence is achieved for every Grammarian, no matter what the achievement looks like.

Join us as we highlight some of the individuals who make our School’s vision for exceptional learning a reality. In this first edition, we’re delighted to introduce to you, Mrs Alice Sibley and Ms Meg Brydon. 

Meet ALICE SIBLEY

Mrs Alice Sibley (Minns, 2007), an Old Grammarian, returned to Merton Hall in 2022 as an English teacher. She also leads the MGGS Stella Society and manages the Old Grammarians Book Club. Alice thrives on the “collaborative nature of teaching at MGGS and how much [she gets] to learn every day.” She says, “the potential for knowledge and skills is endless,” which she finds “tremendously exciting.” 

For Alice, MGGS is a place of belonging. Reflecting on her return, she says, “While things had changed of course, the warmth, welcome and emphasis on community had not.” She appreciates the freedom students have to explore opportunities and encourages them to “just give things a go.”  

In 2023, Alice completed the Teaching Excellence Program (TEP), a professional learning initiative with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, where she explored current pedagogical trends, debated educational approaches, and engaged in collaborative research projects. This experience pushed her out of her comfort zone and highlighted the value of learning from teachers across different disciplines. Inspired by Professor Jacqueline Manuel’s research on shared reading experiences, Alice now engages her younger students in weekly reading sessions, fostering a shared excitement for literature. The Program encouraged Alice to embrace experimentation and reminded her of the creativity and spontaneity that makes for fun and memorable learning – ‘the chaos of teaching’, as she put it. 

Alice’s dedication extends beyond teaching. She meets weekly with the MGGS Stella Society, a literary group celebrating Australian female and non-binary writers. Under her guidance, the Society launched a student-run ‘zine’ called Love, Stella, showcasing the creative talents of MGGS students and staff. Through events like the Stella Literary Evening and fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Fund, Alice’s students develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. 

Alice’s passion for teaching and her commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment make her a cherished member of the MGGS community, exemplifying the school’s dedication to academic excellence and continuous professional growth. 

Meet meg brydon

Meg Brydon is our Director of VCE and Data and has been at MGGS since Term 2, 2022. Her role involves strategic leadership in the administration of the VCE program and standardised assessments, alongside conducting detailed data analysis to enhance student learning outcomes. Meg’s expertise in data-driven decision-making ensures that MGGS remains at the forefront of academic excellence. Meg is also a teacher of English for Year 9 and Year 7 classes this year.  

As a classroom teacher, Meg emphasises the value of close-knit connections with students and their families, fostering a supportive and vibrant school environment. She actively involves the community in various school events, from Information Evenings to celebrating VCE achievements, highlighting her commitment to a holistic educational experience. As Meg puts it, “My time at MGGS has taught me a great deal about the importance of a school’s community to its ongoing success and vibrance.” 

Meg is dedicated to nurturing students’ confidence as learners, celebrating their successes and guiding them through challenges. “I love hearing a student say ‘I didn’t think I could do that and now I know I can,'” she shares. Her involvement extends beyond the classroom, participating in co-curricular activities, supporting drama productions, and even commentating at House Athletics!  

In 2023, Meg was seconded to the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership as a Master Teacher in residence for secondary English. This role allowed her to collaborate with educational experts globally, co-designing professional learning experiences for teachers across Victoria. The experience enriched her teaching practice and deepened her understanding of the broader educational landscape, further enhancing her contributions to MGGS. “This opportunity to work alongside educators working with all types of students right across Victoria has deeply enriched my own teaching practice,” she reflects. 

Meg’s passion for teaching is evident in her interactions with students. She cherishes the relationships she builds in the classroom, where she supports and witnesses their growth and learning. “My favourite thing about teaching is the young people I am so privileged to work with,” she says. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable asset to MGGS, exemplifying the school’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous professional growth.