Marjorie-Rose Neal taught at The Geelong College from 1972-1977, one of the first full-time female teachers and part of the early years of co-education at the college.

Born in 1930, Marjorie-Rose was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. She received her education at Catholic Ladies College in East Melbourne, followed by Sacré Cœur in Glen Iris. These formative experiences within the Catholic tradition influenced her decision to enter religious life, joining the Sacred Heart Order at the Rose Bay Convent in Sydney, and later serving at Sacré Cœur in Glen Iris.

In the late 1960s, Marjorie-Rose chose to leave the order, believing she could make a greater impact as an educator outside of the order. She held academic qualifications including a Master of Science from Macquarie University and a Diploma of Education from the University of Sydney, and subsequently pursued a career in teaching.

When Marjorie-Rose started teaching at the College in 1972, she was employed as a Maths teacher and was one of the few female staff members at Senior School (Pat Wood was the first female academic staff member).  She pioneered, with Mr JH Douglass, the introduction of ‘computing options’ to the maths course at College and in Geelong. She also assisted with Calvert House for most of her years at the school.

Marjorie-Rose’s nephew, Peter Neal (OGC 1972), recalls that she was integral to the design of the girls school uniform when coeducation was introduced in 1974/1975.

Following her time at College, Marjorie-Rose taught at Rusden College for many years until retirement.

Outside of teaching, Marjorie-Rose was an avid cricket follower and Geelong Football Club supporter.

Peter also remembers:

“Over the years whenever Marjorie-Rose and I spoke about the College it was always with great fondness. She told me when I visited her in 2022, the day after the first Sic Itur I attended, that the '72 year group was her favourite year group saying that they were amongst the nicest students she had the pleasure of teaching.”

Marjorie-Rose passed away 24 August 2024, aged 94 years.

College Senior School Staff, 1972. Marjorie-Rose is standing, second row, fourth from the right.