A Remarkable Career Comes Full Circle 

At the end of Term 2, the Mentone Grammar community farewelled one of its longest-serving and most respected educators, Michael Martin, as he officially retired after almost four decades of dedicated service to the School. 

Michael has been a teacher, mentor, coach and leader whose passion for education has shaped the lives of thousands of students. Yet his connection to the School stretches back much further than his time as a staff member, beginning as a student. 

Michael’s journey to Mentone Grammar came about in an unexpected way. His father, a keen horse racing enthusiast, enjoyed a significant win at the races and made a decision that would change Michael’s life. Rather than spending the money on a new car or a holiday, he invested it in his son’s education at Mentone Grammar. 

“I will always be deeply grateful to him for that life-changing decision,” Michael reflects. 

Growing up in East Bentleigh, Michael enjoyed a childhood filled with simple pleasures – camping holidays at Rye, afternoons spent playing tennis at Coatesville Tennis Club, neighbourhood cricket matches, and horse riding through the paddocks that once surrounded Heatherton and Warrigal Roads. 

Sport quickly became a lifelong passion, alongside a love of English and writing that developed during his years as a student. He thrived in the House system and AGS Sport, winning two AGS Tennis Premierships and the Gibson-Roberts Memorial Prize in Year 12. 

Michael’s teaching career began in Term 4 of 1984 when he joined Mentone Grammar as a Year 5 replacement teacher. With no full-time positions available the following year, he spent 1985 at St Mary’s in Mount Evelyn, where his duties extended beyond the classroom as a Year 2 teacher to include the memorable task of regularly escorting huntsman spiders from classrooms on what he fondly recalls as “spider patrol”.  

In 1986, Michael was drawn back to Mentone Grammar by the School’s strong reputation, excellent resources and commitment to excellence, joining as a full-time Year 4 Mentor. He says, “I wanted to be part of a school that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people, and Mentone Grammar proved to be just that.” 

Across nearly four decades, Michael taught students from Years 4 – 12 while also serving as Junior and Middle Years Sportsmaster, Head of Health and Physical Education, Deputy Head of Bayview and, most recently, Year 8 Mentor and teacher of English and Physical Education. 

He coached countless sporting teams, helped develop House and AGS Sport, led overseas Learning Journeys across Asia, and mentored generations of young people through some of the most important years of their lives. 

Looking back, Michael says it is the people who have made his career so rewarding. 

“Schools are fundamentally about people and culture, and Mentone Grammar excels in both. The staff and students are kind, talented and supportive.” 

His favourite part of teaching has always been watching students grow. 

“Watching students grow from wide-eyed Year 7s into confident, capable Year 12s. Witnessing that transformation and helping guide them on that journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.” 

While Michael has held many leadership positions throughout his career, he hopes his greatest contribution has simply been making a positive difference. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding educators and support students through some of the most formative years of their lives. I hope my influence has made a positive difference.” 

Away from school, Michael says his greatest achievement is his family, particularly his two sons, who both attended Mentone Grammar from Kindergarten through to Year 12. 

As Michael embarks on a well-earned retirement, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of dedication, leadership and kindness. Thousands of students have benefited from his wisdom, encouragement and unwavering belief in helping every young person become the very best version of themselves. 

His advice to today’s students remains as relevant as ever: “Trust yourself and your strengths, and don’t get caught up in the small stuff.” 

On behalf of the entire School community, we thank Michael for his remarkable contribution to Mentone Grammar and wish him every happiness in retirement and the many adventures that lie ahead! 

Written by Caroline Kinnear