Samanvi with her Applied Computing teacher: Ms Yen Nguyen
A school where girls see themselves in STEM
Samanvi’s vision doesn’t happen by chance. At Southern Cross Grammar (SCG), Samanvi is surrounded by a culture that champions girls’ curiosity in STEM. From their earliest years in primary school and onwards, SCG offers rich opportunities for students to explore science through hands-on challenges in robotics, environmental science, and digital technologies to name a few.
Acting Head of Science, Ms Melissa Blacklock, explains: “We want students to see STEM as exciting and relevant, and for girls to feel that ambition in scientific fields is both possible and valued.”
This commitment is reinforced by strong role models and teachers who bring that ambition into the classroom. Our female science staff include PhD-qualified scientists, state-recognised award recipients, and teachers known for their kindness, approachability, and enthusiasm—all of whom play a pivotal role in showing young girls what is possible. “Their presence matters,” Melissa says. “When students see women who are experts in their field, who enjoy their work, and who treat young learners with respect and warmth our girls feel welcomed into scientific spaces rather than intimidated by them.”
For Samanvi, that mentor is her Applied Computing teacher Ms Yen Nguyen, whom she admires deeply. “Ms Nguyen is highly respected and knowledgeable. She has always encouraged me to improve my coding skills and think outside the box,” Samanvi says.
A teacher who paved the way
In many ways, Yen’s story mirrors the very change SCG hopes to see. She understands firsthand what it means to be the only woman in the room. After 15 years as an accountant, she taught herself programming, developed applications for her workplace, and later studied computer engineering where she was the only woman in her class. “I had to figure everything out myself,” she says. “But I loved coding. Software has always been part of my life and the challenge brings me joy.”
Today, she brings that same joy into her teaching. Constantly energised by the pace of technological change, she challenges her students to think critically, interrogate AI outputs, and solve problems with creativity and rigour. “Technology changes all the time,” Yen says. “Educating students means staying informed and translating that into learning. I love that challenge.”
For her, science is universal and extends beyond the classroom. “Science opens your eyes to the world,” she says. “It equips you with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that go beyond the classroom.”
Samanvi with Principal Mr Brayden Stone
Supporting student ambition in STEM pathways and future careers
Through mentorship, workshops, and industry connections, SCG ensures girls like Samanvi see clear pathways into senior STEM subjects and future careers. “Through these opportunities our girls know they are capable science learners and confidently approach VCE subjects with direction and belief in their potential,” Melissa says.
As Samanvi prepares to complete Applied Computing next year in Year 11, she is looking forward to shaping a future where technology meets impact.
At Southern Cross Grammar, she is not walking that path alone.
