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Education Alumni stories

Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM

Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM

Diploma of Teaching (Primary), 1974

“I know that so much of what I've had the pleasure of being involved with over my life journey is an absolute privilege, and there has been a lot of work of course - no one succeeds without hard work and drive and motivation – but the fact that I've also been recognised is a bonus.”

Winner of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award
Catrina-Luz Aniere OAM

Catrina-Luz Aniere OAM

Diploma of Teaching (Primary), 1981

“When we started this idea that we could run a children's conference - run by kids for kids - we got so many people saying no. And my philosophy was always; you’ve just got to keep going until you find a yes person."

Winner of the 2025 Community and Impact Alumni Award
Mike Mount-Bryson

Mike Mount-Bryson

Bachelor of Education (Primary), 2003

Special Needs Education Assistant. Teacher. Deputy Principal. Principal.

"I spent four fantastic years at ECU and had a good idea of what I was getting into. Being part of a teaching family, you hear all the good stories - a bit less of the bad ones - but you also understand, it’s not about leaving a legacy, it's just making today better than it was yesterday for students."

Steve Warwick

Steve Warwick

Bachelor of Education (Secondary), 2017

Less than a decade since graduating from ECU, Steve Warwick has made his mark as one of Western Australia’s top teachers.

Highly regarded for the positive impact he is having on his students, the Level 3 Classroom Teacher was awarded the STEM Educator of the Year at the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards.

Image of Jody Broun at Aluminate 2024

Jody Broun

Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), 1984 
Bachelor of Education (Secondary – Pre-Service), 1987

“Whether it's science, law, policy, nursing - it doesn't actually matter. It's about what you're passionate about, because you're going to spend a lot of time working, and you want to make sure that you're getting as much out of it as you're giving.”

Winner of the 2024 Community and Impact Alumni Award
Grant and Sharon Grosser

Grant and Sharon Grosser

Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), 1988
Graduate Diploma of Business (Secretarial Studies), 1989
Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), 1992

“Probably the biggest highlight in my life is when I run into a former student and they tell me the story - they were out, they were down, they were going to give up, and someone inspired them. And inevitably, it's a teacher that got them going.”

Winners of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
Susan Archdall

Susan Archdall

Bachelor of Arts in Education (Primary), 1990 
Bachelor of Education, 1997
Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education (Social Science), 2014

“We need our passionate, ripe, fantastic graduates to go in with all guns blazing, because they make every difference. If you can get out of the city and have a regional or remote experience, do it. It will change you forever and it will be fantastic for you as a person, as well as your career."

Cheryl Operandi

Cheryl Oprandi

Diploma of Teaching (Primary),1981
Bachelor of Education,1989
Master of Education, 2002


“I would teach the curriculum using different formats that would spark their interest. If I was bored, I felt the kids were bored...

I tried to build an inclusive culture with parents and encouraged them to be active in school activities, as many didn’t like their own school experiences.”

Mikayla King

Mikayla King

Bachelor of Education, 2018

“It's sharing my knowledge with teachers in terms of how we can develop responsive practices of being in the classroom. That's what I really enjoy. Sharing my knowledge, supporting people to understand each other and working towards an Australia where we all feel welcome.”

Mitchell Mckay

Mitchell Mackay

Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), 1982
Bachelor of Education, 1987
Master of Education, 1996

"I have absolutely loved being a teacher, a principal and a leader in education, it has truly given my life immense purpose. For me, it’s been about the journey, not the destination, and if I could I’d happily do it all over again."

Lara Bowler

Lara Bowler

Bachelor of Education, 2022


“There are endless possibilities waiting for you on the other side of your comfort zone. Personally, sometimes I’m shy or nervous in new situations (especially when it comes to public speaking), but there’s so much to gain from putting yourself out there.”

Athanassia Iosifidou Lima

Athanassia Iosifidou Lima

Master of Education, 2016


“I always said that I needed to be in a job that had a higher purpose or made a difference. I feel that my current position allows me to do exactly that by developing others to do their job well, and positively impact those at the receiving end of our services.”

Kylie Chatfield

Kylie Chatfield

Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), 2019

“I feel like I am continuously exploring ways to educate students from inside the classroom as their teacher, to outside of the classroom as an industry expert. An education degree is a ticket to so much more as there are many avenues it can take you,”

Rob Nail

Rob Nail

Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), 1989
Bachelor of Education, 1995

"What’s been most rewarding for me is seeing my beliefs and passions reflected in the school culture and embedded in its practices. I feel very lucky to have had such a wonderful opportunity to have had a very positive influence on the school."

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