At the core of every exceptional education is an inspiring educator. At Melbourne Girls Grammar, our Grammarians are supported by a dedicated team of teachers and professional staff – individuals united by a shared purpose: to equip every student with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to thrive beyond our red brick walls.
With deep expertise, innovative practices and a passion for lifelong learning, our educators create a dynamic environment where excellence is nurtured in every form. Here, success is personal and every Grammarian is empowered to find her voice and use it with purpose.
Join us as we highlight the individuals who make our School’s vision for exceptional learning a reality. In this second edition, we are happy to introduce Miss Lingling Sun and Ms Nicole Kaladzoglu.
Meet LINGLING SUN
For the past decade, Lingling Sun has been a vibrant presence at MGGS, teaching Years 5 and 6 in Wildfell and serving as a vital bridge between the School and our Chinese families. Lingling brings a unique blend of cultural insight, pedagogical expertise and dedication to everything she does.
Recognising a gap in support services for Chinese families, Lingling proposed a dedicated liaison role to the Principal. Her initiative has been instrumental in creating a robust support network, encouraging active engagement within the school community and ensuring that every family feels connected and supported throughout their MGGS journey.
Lingling thrives in the collaborative environment of Wildfell, where professional dialogue and shared learning are part of everyday practice. “Engaging in regular professional discussions about curriculum design, pedagogy, student needs and continuous improvement has been a key feature of my experience.”
Her passion for continuous improvement led her to participate in the Teaching Excellence Program (TEP), a professional learning initiative with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, supported by MGGS. The Melbourne Girls Grammar Institute made this opportunity visible to her and supported her participation by providing release time.
Her inquiry focused on developing problem-solving skills in young learners. “The most rewarding aspect was the opportunity to share knowledge and practice with other educators,” she reflects. “The mathematics workshops offered well-designed activities that broadened my perspective on mathematical investigations – many of which I’ve since incorporated into our Year 5 and 6 units.” Looking ahead, Lingling hopes to build on this work. “My inquiry focused on cultivating problem-solving skills in young learners, leading to more purposeful lesson design that remains embedded in our curriculum.
Looking ahead, I aspire to audit the Years 3–6 problem-solving curriculum and propose a clear, coherent framework, potentially as part of the TIF [Teaching Impact Fellowship] program.” The TEP provided Lingling with a valuable platform to connect with teachers beyond MGGS, allowing her to focus on specific areas of practice and drive meaningful improvement through inquiry.
Lingling’s contributions extend well beyond her teaching role. She founded the Philosophy Club when the current Year 12 cohort was in Year 5, and it remains a thriving space for critical thinking and ethical discussion. She’s also led the Maths Interest Club, mentored teams for the Junior Ethics Olympiad, and supported students on international trips such as MYSET. These co-curricular experiences reflect her belief in holistic education – where learning is not confined to the classroom, and every student is encouraged to explore, question and grow.
Lingling’s passion for teaching and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment make her an invaluable asset to MGGS. Her innovative approach and dedication to professional growth continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike.
Meet nicole kaladzolu
Nicole Kaladzoglu has been part of the MGGS community for four years, bringing eight years of teaching experience and a deep passion for legal studies. Her enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. “I love that it provides an opportunity to learn about the legal system and the democratic foundations of our country,” she says.
Nicole speaks highly of the MGGS learning environment. “The learners here are unique; I’ve taught at three other schools and have never met such respectful and resilient students as those at MGGS,” she shares. Nicole also values the intellectually rich conversations she has with colleagues, each a specialist in their field.
In her classroom, Nicole sets high expectations and provides comprehensive resources, using real-world examples to keep learning relevant and engaging. Her goal is to show students that Legal Studies is a powerful toolkit for understanding and shaping the world – its relevance especially significant for young citizens like our Grammarians. “Legal Studies empowers students to question, challenge and shape the world they live in,” she explains.
One of the most challenging yet fascinating areas of study in Legal Studies, according to Nicole, is Unit 4 AOS 1: ‘Parliament and the courts as law-makers’. This is where Legal Studies really comes to life. This unit delves into the intricacies of law-making, requiring detailed analysis and critical thinking. Nicole enhances this learning experience with guest speakers and excursions to the Supreme and Magistrates’ Courts, making the subject come alive for her students and illuminating potential pathways ahead.
Facing significant personal challenges in her own VCE years, Nicole emphasises the importance of resilience. She believes that a strong support network is crucial for students navigating their VCE journey and any unexpected hurdles. For many Grammarians, Nicole is a robust member of that support system. As Old Grammarian Esther says, “Miss K is one of the most committed, intelligent and kind people [she has] encountered in [her] life,” and is someone who always “goes above and beyond, every single lesson.”
Nicole’s passion for legal studies began in her Year 12 class, inspired by an engaging and passionate teacher. This enthusiasm carried through her university studies in criminology and into her teaching career. Now, she shares that same passion with her students at MGGS, helping them to see the value and excitement in understanding the law.
These stories are just two examples of the extraordinary educators shaping the future at MGGS. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the people behind our exceptional learning community.