20 YEARS OF COEDUCATION 

As Mentone Grammar celebrates 20 years of coeducation, the impact of this milestone is not only reflected across the School but in the lives of its alumni and the communities they now serve.  

For Daniel Maitland (Class 2010) and Amelia Gardner (Class 2016), the School’s coeducational environment, defined by collaboration, empathy and respect, laid the foundation for shaping their values and the work they are committed to today. 

Learning to Lead Through Connection 

Daniel Maitland, Founder of Training with Mates and TWM Stride for Stroke, first began developing his passion for community and connection at Mentone Grammar, where he established and ran a gym program for staff and students. The experience would later help shape the inclusive and supportive spaces he creates today.

“My first opportunities came from Mentone Grammar. I was the first to run a gym program for students and staff about a decade ago.”

That program became more than a place for friends to train together; it became a community. Daniel recalls a moment when he understood the deeper impact of what he had created.

“A young woman who lost a family member said the gym became her safe place, a space to grieve, rebuild, and take care of herself. Knowing we could be that support for her meant a lot.”

Experiencing Mentone Grammar’s coeducational environment also shaped Daniel’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

“Being able to communicate effectively and empathetically with both men and women has been a huge advantage in my work.”

Daniel’s commitment to community took on an even deeper meaning when his sister Bec experienced a stroke at just 28 years of age. Watching her navigate the often-invisible effects of stroke inspired Daniel to turn a deeply personal experience into a mission for change through TWM Stride for Stroke.

“I wanted to create something that raised awareness about the invisible effects of stroke, especially for young survivors and encouraged kindness, empathy, and understanding within the community.”

Through the annual event, Daniel and the Training with Mates community have raised nearly $300,000 for stroke survivors, supporting important research and vital resources.

His dedication and leadership within the Bayside community have also earned significant recognition. Daniel was named Kingston Citizen of the Year in 2020 and Stroke Foundation Fundraiser of the Year from 2021 to 2024. He was also the recipient of the inaugural Young Mentonian of the Year Award.

Reflecting on the values that continue to guide his work, Daniel is clear about where they began.

“The School instilled values of fairness, honesty, kindness, and always giving your best effort – values that guide every decision I make in business and community work.”

 Stepping Forward for Others 

For Amelia Gardner, Mentone Grammar sparked a strong sense of responsibility, compassion and service. Qualities that now shape her career in child protection services. 

The School’s coeducation environment taught Amelia the importance of listening to different perspectives, understanding diverse experiences, and recognising when to step forward for others, which are lessons she carries into her professional life every day.  

“Mentone Grammar instilled in me the importance of empathy and contributing to something greater than myself. The School’s emphasis on service and character development helped shape my belief in stepping forward when others need support” 

Working with vulnerable children and families has shown Amelia the power of persistence and kindness. 

“There are moments when you see the effect of persistence and support, whether that be a young person engaging with school again, or a parent expressing pride in the progress they’ve made. Moments like these are reminders that change is possible and that work genuinely matters”.  

A Shared Legacy of Service 

While Daniel and Amelia have followed different paths, they share a common thread: the foundation built at Mentone Grammar. Their experiences in a coeducational environment taught them how to collaborate in settings that reflect the real world, drawing on varied perspectives, how to lead with empathy, and how to contribute to the communities around them.  

“The School encouraged me to think beyond my own experience and to recognise the value of giving back to the community,” Amelia reflects.  

“That sense of teamwork and mutual support has shaped the way I lead and engage with others,” adds Daniel. 

Both agree that having a supportive community at School and in the relationships they’ve built since has played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of their work. They also believe these values are available to every student willing to embrace them. 

As Amelia puts it: “When people choose to participate rather than stand back, communities become stronger.”