Staff Spotlight-Meet Greg

Greg Downer has been an integral part of Melbourne Montessori College since 2006, starting as a parent and transitioning into his current role as a Cycle 2 Assistant. With an interesting background in print media and a passion for history, Greg is inspired by those ‘lightbulb’ moments when students make discoveries. We spent five minutes chatting to Greg…

Full Name: Greg Downer

Position: 

Currently: Cycle 2 Assistant

Previously: Cycle 1 and Cycle 3 Assistant

How long have you been at MMC?

Too long…… 🤣

I started as a parent in 2006 and then started as a Cycle 1 Assistant in 2016.

Where were you beforehand?

In my former life I was in print media working as a newspaper printer.

What do you love about working at MMC?

The collegiate atmosphere.

What inspires you as a Montessori educator/team member?

I’m inspired by those ‘lightbulb’ moments when you see a child understand a concept or make a discovery.

What is your most memorable teaching moment, or moment working in a school?

Having children genuinely thank you for taking the time to help them to discover for themselves.

What’s your most memorable moment as a school student?

One of my most memorable experiences as a student was unlocking the joy of history. I had a teacher who made history interesting. She was one of a handful of awesome teachers.

What are five interesting things about you that we may not know? 

1. I enjoy studying the life cycle of saccharomyces cerevisiae and saccharomyces carlsbergensis and the resultant mixing with hordeum vulgare and humulus lupulus. (In a nutshell, I enjoy making my own bread!)

2. I grow awesome chillies, including Jalapeños, Tepins and Carolina Reapers – the second hottest chillies in the world.

3. I still own my motorbike but work and study pressures mean I have no time to ride.

4. I love history and can bore a person to tears with the minutia of ancient Silk Road trading through to Cold War protagonists’ and their medical issues.

5. Apparently, I’m also known to enjoy a coffee or two….

What does your weekend look like?

Sleeping in, working around the house – I’ve been renovating since 2006 – and studying. Constant study… #sigh#

What is your favourite Maria Montessori quote and why?

“Help me to help myself.”

Children have an innate need for independence and real-life experiences, fostering their physical and intellectual development.