Staff Profile

Melanie Mandusic

South African-born Physics and Mathematics teacher and Summons tutor, Melanie Mandusic, shares her journey into teaching and settling in Melbourne.

This is my third year at CGS, assuming we’re including the disaster that was last year. I did not always want to be a teacher; in fact, it was never on my list of potential careers. I have always loved Science and Mathematics and knew I wanted to work in a field where I could apply those disciplines, so I looked to study Engineering initially but decided on a pure Science route majoring in Physics and Mathematics. I continued with a Master’s in Physics, mainly due to my indecision to choose a career path, and then after 2 years teaching English as a second language in Bangkok, I returned to South Africa to do my PhD in Quantum Entanglement. I should have realised my passion for teaching after Bangkok, but clearly, I am a slow learner. After working as a post-Doctoral researcher at a University, I found I was enjoying lecturing more than the research and finally made the decision to become a teacher. Another avenue that probably encouraged my move into teaching, was travelling around South Africa to various schools and education exhibitions to showcase the importance of science. We would pack a van with liquid nitrogen, laser pointers, a Van de Graaf generator and power packs, and visit disadvantaged schools that often did not even have electricity. Some of the most trivial experiments, such as bending laser light through glass, were received with such awe and excitement that you could not help but stay longer and try to teach those students everything you knew. The School is wonderfully supportive. Within both the Maths and Science Departments, everyone is willing to give up their spare time to help each other, particularly with the numerous Science practicals. I truly experienced the School’s support when I first started, or should I say, not started in 2019. My Victorian Institute of Teaching application was not approved in time for the start of Term 1, but CGS kept me calm, ensured I still had a job and assisted in fast-tracking my application, for which I am still extremely grateful. Moreover, the students were so forgiving of the situation when I finally did begin teaching and my Tutor Group helped me find classrooms, figure out the busy School schedule and ultimately made me feel at home. Once my husband and I decided to move to Australia, we began the long visa process. One and a half years later, we were given permanent residency and we’re now looking to buy and permanently settle in our new home. Melbourne offers access to so many different events! It is really incredible to be able to attend the Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the multitude of musical acts that frequent this city. We definitely spent most of our salary on gigs in the first year – one of the best was Greta Van Fleet at the Forum.

I have always loved to exercise, but during lockdown, I began to enjoy running longer distances with my husband and the dog. I like hiking, scuba diving, and travelling too. I also love to do Yoga when I can, as it forces me to slow down and focus on more controlled movements, I highly recommend it! My love of Yoga probably comes from the nine years of gymnastics that consumed my childhood. I spent over 40 hours a week training and eventually got my South African colours when I was 16. It taught me a lot about discipline, time management and the importance of setting goals. Of course, it also taught me how to do the splits, handstands and somersaults, all of which I can proudly do today.