I’ve been connected to Ivanhoe Girls’ virtually since the day I was born, with my parents putting me on the waiting list to commence Year 7 in 1992.

Unplanned circumstances would see mymum, Paule Cartwright, start teaching atIvanhoe Girls’ in 1991 and, unbeknownst to usat the time, our family ‘tradition’ of havingmother-daughter at the school togetherwould commence.

I had a wonderful experience as a student at Ivanhoe Girls’, taking full advantage of what was on offer and making lasting friendships. I forged a successful path as an engineer for10 years before feeling an urge to return to the education fold. With Mum retiring in 2014 and me commencing in 2015 (in different faculties I should note), there hasn’t been a year since 1991 that I haven’t received a copy of the Golden Mitre!

Shortly into my tenure, my own daughters started at the ELC, in 2016 and 2018respectively, and thus our family tradition has continued. Little did they both realise that every time I saw them in the School grounds ,I would hide behind the nearest tree (if they saw me before I saw them, the excitement was a little too palpable to say the least!) Maya is currently in Year 4 enjoying every moment of her experience, and Anna is very excited about returning to Ivanhoe Girls’ for Year 7 next year. She may not be quite as keen to see me in the School grounds as she was at the ELC. I know the feeling after all, being in her position back in 1992.

As I notch up 10 years of service as a staff member in the coming days, I continue to reflect fondly on all aspects of my experience here. I’ve been fortunate enough to hold a number of roles within the School, as well as teach in two wonderful faculties with supportive, friendly and inspiring colleagues. Our students equally make the experience at Ivanhoe Girls’ such a joyous one, being such kind-hearted yet determined people.

I look forward to many more years connected to the School. I feel so fortunate to be able to watch my girls so closely in their education journey, and there is every chance that our family tradition will continue into the next generation given my girls currently tell me they also want to become teachers and teach at our wonderful school.

Ms Gen Cartwright
Class of 1997, Director of Senior School Staff Operations and Teacher of French and Mathematics

My name is Maya and I’m in Year 4.

I love being at Ivanhoe Girls’ because there are so many activities that you can join like Craft club, Maths club, Chess club, Garden club, Film club and much more.

My mum’s name is Gen Cartwright, or Ms Cartwright if you were a student, because she works in the Senior School.

Me and my mum sometimes walk to school together because my house is really close. This is a great time for us to talk together.

I love that my mum works at the School because sometimes when my class comes back from Art, P.E. or Church, I get to see her and say hi.

Maya Malcolm
Year 4