Sitting in a high school Maths class was where my, “I could be a teacher,” moment first took shape. My friend often struggled with maths, and I would spend lessons re-teaching her what had already been covered. I loved the moment her eyes lit up with understanding – that “Aha!” spark – and even then, I knew there was something special about helping someone learn.

Despite that early realisation, I didn’t follow the teaching path straight away. After finishing school, I completed a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and later moved to London, where I lived and worked for a short time. One afternoon, sitting bored inside an office building, I realised I’d taken a wrong turn. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to be in a classroom, not behind a desk. So, I returned home and enrolled in a Bachelor of Education at The University of Melbourne - and the rest, as they say, is history. 

In 2025, I made the move to Ivanhoe Girls’. Having attended an all-girls school myself, I was excited to embrace the power of girls learning together. I’ve loved joining such a warm and welcoming community. 

My passion lies in creating lessons that spark engagement and build confidence - where students feel safe to take risks, think deeply, and develop a genuine love of learning. Still, after all these years, my favourite part of teaching remains the same: witnessing that aha! moment when a concept finally clicks. Watching a child’s face light up with pride and understanding never loses its magic.

I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day - to teach, to lead and to play a small role in helping the wonderful students at Ivanhoe Girls’ become the very best version of themselves.

Mrs Miranda Stott
Year 6 Classroom Teacher

I was always interested in a career in education. This was mostly motivated by my admiration for some of the amazing and very clever teachers that I had at school. History was always my favourite subject. 

I studied a Bachelor of Arts and then a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne. I maxed out the number of History subjects that I was allowed to do in my Arts degree and I was so excited to get out into the classroom after my teaching degree.

I remember parking outside 123 Marshall Street for my interview at Ivanhoe Girls’ and admiring the leafy street and the beautiful buildings at the front of the School. I started as a graduate teacher in 2019, and as soon as I had taught my first class (Year 9 History in C203 - I will never forget!), I felt right at home.

I’m now in my eighth year of teaching. I have mostly taught History – my great love – but have also dabbled in some other subjects. I love how no week of school is ever the same. I see teaching as a practical, social career where I can talk about History all day every day, without being locked away working alone as an academic. I also love working with young people and the feeling that I am making a meaningful contribution to their lives. 

In my time at Ivanhoe Girls’ so far, I am most proud of the successful reintroduction of VCE Australian History at Year 12 level. This course asks students to consider some big questions about our country’s history and what it all means for us today. 

Teaching History at Ivanhoe Girls' is a great joy.

Ms Alana Ryan
Deputy Head of Humainities

Much like the winding yellow brick road which led Dorothy to the Wizard of Oz, so too has my journey to Ivanhoe Girls’ been varied and surprising.

After graduating from La Trobe University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Art History, my first job saw me working within an inbound call centre at Link Telecommunications. Not very ‘artsy’ at all! But I developed a passion for building rapport with people from diverse backgrounds, the ability to quickly determine people’s needs, and a clear interest in a customer-centric approach.

After 10 years in the call centre and the birth of my three children, it was time for me to take on a new challenge. An opportunity became available as an English Tutor to international students at ELTHAM College. I took a leap of faith and found great joy in helping these brave young people, who had made the difficult decision to leave their home country, and often their family, for the opportunity to study abroad.

I developed a passion for seeing young people grow in confidence and independence, become resilient and thrive. The last four years of my time at ELTHAM saw me take on the role of Head of Admissions, overseeing both domestic and international enrolments.

And so, my yellow brick road has led me to Ivanhoe Girls’. Seeking change, new opportunities and challenges, and eager to work in an all-girls educational setting, I set off on this new journey. 

I feel very grateful for the generous welcome and support I have received from the Ivanhoe Girls’ community. What has impressed me most is the calibre of the young people I have met who so unashamedly embody the School Values of Bravery, Vibrancy, Curiosity, Connectedness and Kindness. I am buoyed by the self-assured, courageous and thoughtful young people I have had the pleasure to connect with in my short time here.

Ms Franceen Challons
Director of Admissions