Staff Story

This is my ninth year working at Grimwade House, Melbourne Grammar School’s primary campus. I came to the School having never worked in education before. Today, I can honestly say it was a great move. I get to be part of something positive that happens here every day.

I had been Grimwade’s campus receptionist for five years when the role of Personal Assistant to the Head of Grimwade House was advertised, and I went for it. In both these roles, I’ve needed to be expert at multitasking and managing many competing priorities at the same time. I’ve developed an in-depth knowledge of how the School operates, and learned to communicate with a huge range of people as the interface between the Grimwade community and our campus Head, Royce Helm. 

Grimwade House is a busy place, and no two days are the same. My projects are wide and varied. At the moment, we’re working towards distributing transition documents to the new families who’ll join us for Prep next year as well as a paperless office. On any given day, I could be arranging catering for a special event, organising meetings between parents and Royce and supporting a staff member so they have what they need for the day’s events — and that might just be during the first hour. 

I feel lucky to work with such kind, nurturing colleagues. I’m supported by the teachers, other admin staff, and Grimwade House management, no matter what I’m working on. On top of that, working here means I get to come to a beautiful campus every day, surrounded by gorgeous, happy students. 

Because my role is campus-based, it offers a fantastic work-life balance. I work very reasonable hours, and mine is one of the few professional roles at Melbourne Grammar that doesn’t require me to work during the school holidays. That allows me to spend additional time with my family, which is extremely important to me. 

My favourite event of the year is the end-of-year Grimwade House service at St Paul’s Cathedral in the city. It’s such a beautiful place, and this is one of those moments in the year when the whole Grimwade community comes together. I’m not obliged to attend, but I choose to because it’s such a special moment. 

The Year 6 graduation ceremony is another standout for me. I know the students so well by the time they leave us, so being part of an event like that means a great deal.