Monica Keo
(General Committee Member)
I’m Monica, a passionate advocate for the humanities with a background in the arts and experience in the cultural sector. As an English educator, I am continually inspired by enduring great works of literature and art, from Aristotle and Teresa of Avila to Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci, to name a few, which led me to the classical tradition of education.
Like the Renaissance, I believe there is no greater need than now for a revival and deeper contemplation of classical ideals of virtue and wisdom. My mission is to spread an awareness of classical education and bring the humanities into everyday life by inviting students and families to join the ongoing “Great Conversation” described by Mortimer J. Adler.
Following the classical education model of learning, my teaching philosophy is grounded in appreciation, imitation, and creation, an approach that, as Plato reminds us in The Republic, moves us toward truth, goodness, and beauty. I endeavour to create agoras of conversation, to highlight the interconnectedness of ideas, ideals, and individuals.
Andrew Gerges
(General Committee Member)
As a husband, father and orthodox Christian, I feel the daily challenges of supporting and raising a family in a society with a very different moral fabric to the Australia I grew up in. The education sector is one where many would agree has far reaching consequences on the quality and outcomes on the lives it touches, individuals, families, institutions and society at large. Following an interest in how ancient Christianity has shaped history and the Western tradition, I was made aware of Classical Education and its stark contrast with our current education system.
Amongst many things, Classical Education has provided me an introductory appreciation for the liberal arts. Its emphasis on integrative knowledge, forming free, wise and virtuous citizens, teaching for mastery, the student has a soul, the teacher has a soul! Additionally, it has made me reflect on my own education that I (and indeed most) did not receive. In an era where tertiary training becomes obsolete within a few years, I believe this timeless education serves everyone.
Mathematics and physics were my first loves and guided my tertiary studies in engineering and business. I have over 20 years experience in project management, management consulting, strategy and systems engineering. I exert much mental energy thinking about origins, purpose, meaning and lifecycles. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reconnecting with old friends, playing tennis, table tennis, friday night movies and building the courage to exercise more.
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Hamish Adams
(General Committee Member)
I am a secondary teacher in the Melbourne Catholic system, passionate about inclusive education and the enrichment that comes from studying language and culture. In my academic journey so far I have been blessed to study a variety of European languages as well as English literature, which has proven to me the vitality and importance of these disciplines to education today. I believe that as educators we have a wonderful opportunity to foster students' connections with the past and with other cultures, all the while preparing them for the demands of today's world.
