Wednesday, 18 June 2025

 Sarah CONNOLLY (Laverton) (10:07): It is with great sadness that I acknowledge and grieve the passing of a fantastic local teacher in the Laverton electorate in Ms Josephine Montalti. Josephine taught at Laverton P–12 College for 33 years and in that time has inspired and touched the minds and hearts of hundreds of students. Whether it was driving students to exams, organising school formals, buying textbooks and stationery for kids who could not afford them or even providing food for students who went without breakfast or lunch, it is clear that Josephine was driven by a passion for ensuring that all students got the best education they could. Outside of the school Josephine had been recognised for her outstanding service, including by Hobsons Bay City Council and the Altona City Rotary Club.

For many students, they are lucky to find one, maybe two, teachers who really make a difference in their time at school. They might help you turn that grade around in a subject that you struggle with. They might help you personally through a really difficult time or look out for you in the schoolyard when things are not really going right. Hearing from so many former students and Laverton residents, it is clear to me that Josephine was this teacher for so many students at Laverton P–12 College over the years, and her presence will be deeply, deeply missed. My thoughts go out to Josephine’s family, including her children Ayeesha and Peter, and to the Laverton community for losing such an incredible local hero and an inspiration to all our fantastic teachers. Vale, Josephine Montalti.