Staff Story

I didn’t always plan to become a teacher, but today, I know I’ve found myself in exactly the right profession. 

Initially, I was looking toward a career in public relations. While I was completing my communications degree, I was coaching gymnastics at another school. I loved the connection with the students, and the chance coaching gave me to impart knowledge. Once I started working in PR, I found it didn’t give me the same sorts of rewards, and that led me back to university to study education.

I began teaching at schools in suburbs further outside the city, which was an amazing experience. It helped me shape my understanding of the many types of diversity that can exist within a school and hone my skills in pastoral care. 

It’s a really strong value of mine to recognise diversity in all its forms—academic, social, cultural, personal and every other form of difference. Today, in my classroom it is about understanding each student at a deep level, helping them see that they don’t need to change to be the same as everyone else, and encouraging a sense that they can connect with people who are very different from themselves. 

I came to Melbourne Grammar School as a casual relief teacher, working at Grimwade House, our primary campus. I absolutely adored it from the first moment. 

The culture at this school, and the values we stand for, mean this will always be my home, even if I go on to work somewhere else in future. Melbourne Grammar is about standing with each other, supporting one another, and having people rally around you if you make a mistake. That allows for freedom in the classroom—there’s no fear of failure, so we’re not scared to be creative and try things that are new or might seem difficult. 

That positive attitude toward making mistakes has an effect on our students, too. I’ll often say to my students: “Mistakes are good”. They know they can take risks. Sticking to the rules and guidelines doesn’t always allow us to stretch our potential, but trying new things, and sometimes failing, is one valuable way we can learn. 

I don’t have a specific preference for any year level—I’ve had the privilege of teaching almost every year at Grimwade, and I truly love each for different reasons. I find great joy in helping our youngest Preps build foundational literacy skills, supporting Year 2 students as they transition toward Upper Primary, and guiding our Year 5 and 6 students as they prepare for the exciting step into Secondary School. Change and adaptability are so important, and it’s an honour to be part of each student’s journey as they grow through these transitions.

Along with the incredible resources we have at Grimwade, the community of teachers and parents here inspires me every single day. I’ve learned so much, not only professionally but also as a person. When I think about who was when I started here at 28, compared to who I am now, I can see that I’ve truly grown. 

In the wider world, people may not recognise the complexity of primary teaching. But at Grimwade, we know there’s so much creativity in teaching this age group. We are change makers. Everyone has a memory of a teacher who made a difference to them in primary school. We’re the people who set the pillars in place that people build upon later in life. 

Morgan Cloke holds a communications degree as well as postgraduate degree in Primary and Secondary education, both from Deakin University. She has teaching experience across both independent and government schools, from Prep through to Year 12, and has taught at Grimwade House for 12 years.