MS SUE MACGEORGE

Biology Teacher & VCE Biology Assistant Chief Assessor

Receiving the prestigious award at the 2022 Speech Night, Sue’s consistent and dedicated service to teaching, excellent student outcomes and willingness to share her teaching and learning strategies were acknowledged.

“To be appreciated and recognised in this public manner, not just for results, but for relationships built with students and staff is heart-warming. My focus has always been to present Science content that is meaningful and accessible to all, together with gauging how students are coping with their studies. To have this noticed by my peers is very special. I am very grateful,” shares Sue.

During School reunions, Old Girls still regale stories of the impact of Sue’s teaching, with many pursuing careers that unfolded from Sue’s passion for her subject. Sue is renowned for the VCE exam readiness of all her classes and is a stalwart of the VCAA Marking Team. In 2022, she was selected as an Assistant Chief Assessor for VCE Biology.

“I love seeing the girls gain more understanding of the world around them and developing a life-long love and wonder for Biology. The real-world experiences of the last few years have covered so much of our prescribed curriculum including the effect on evolution of species due to natural disasters during the bushfires of 2020, pandemics and epidemics, diagnosis of pathogens, immunity, and the mutation of virusess into new strains. It is wonderful to see their understanding of biology around them improve,” Sue shares.

Teaching at St Catherine’s School for over 30 years, Sue originally commenced a career in genetics and immunology, working in the Royal Children’s Hospital diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities, investigating allergies to very small molecules and finally in an immunology diagnostic laboratory.

“Whilst working full time at the Royal Children’s Hospital I completed a Diploma of Education. One of my teaching rounds was at St Catherine’s School. I have loved working at St Catherine’s alongside committed staff who work so hard to engage students in their learning, each day. Our students are respectful and have a real desire to learn and achieve their best.”

Congratulations Sue for being a St Catherine’s exemplary educator.